Why you shouldn't agree to live in a London flat before arriving
π‘ Finding a flat in London whilst living abroad is extremely challenging, this guide will help you understand more.
Risks of agreeing to live in a London flat while living abroad
Whilst it may be tempting to try and organise a London flat to live in before you arrive, there are many complications that generally mean this isn't a good idea. Booking short term accommodation (read on) will allow you to avoid these significant risks.
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Flats of low quality π
You must inspect any flat you agree to live in, or have someone you trust who already lives in London do it for you. There are millions of homes in London which significantly range in quality. You can't expect to discover issues with a flat unless you inspect it first.
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Competition π₯΅
Flat hunting in London can often feel like you're in the middle of a race.Β Because London is such a desirable city to live in, there is fierce competition for flats. When a flat or room in a share house is available, it will usually receive hundreds of inquires (yes, you read that correctly). By not being in London to attend viewings and meet with housemates, estate agents or landlords, you are at a significant disadvantage. People posting about flat vacancies know this and as a result, they likely won't consider your interest in the flat making it a big waste of time.
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Scammers π€¬
Unfortunately there are some people out there with bad intentions. Scammers do operate in London and will take advantage of those new to the city or who are currently living overseas. The best way to avoid being scammed is by making sure you are there, in-person, to inspect the flat.
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Neighbourhood selection π
London is a massive city with vastly different neighbourhoods, each with their own charms and vibe. By being in London and inspecting flats yourself, you will also be considering if the neighbourhood is right for you and your lifestyle. Commuting is also a major consideration, if you don't know where you are working, you may want to wait on flat hunting so that you can find a flat close to your place of work or run the risk of 1hr long commutes.
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What makes a good flat
When assessing flats in London it's important to know what makes a good flat. There are some themes specific to London that new Londoners should be aware of.
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Location π
London is a large and diverse city, and different areas can offer vastly different experiences. A good flat should ideally be located close to amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and public transportation, making it easy for tenants to get around the city and access the things they need. The 'vibe' of an area will drastically change neighbourhood-to-neighbourhood.
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Size and space π©
The size of a flat is also an important consideration. London is a historic major city so space and size usually comes with a premium price tag. For those working from home, you will want to consider finding a flat that has enough space in either bedrooms or the living room where you will be comfortable working.
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Warmth and insulation π₯
Winters in London are cold and long. A lot of London's housing was rebuilt after WWII when resources where scarce and as a result, many flats have thin walls and aren't well insulated for the winter.
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Bathroom facilities πΏ
Believe it or not, some London flats don't have showers and rely on bath tubs instead. For some London movers this isn't a big deal, for others it's a deal breaker. Be sure to check photos and inspect the bathroom to make sure it meets your criteria.
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Noise π
London is a noisy city, you will frequently hear the piercing noise of Police, Ambulance and Fire sirens from the street. Flats that are located directly on or above noisy roads may find this disturbing. Additionally, flats located next to or near train lines may experience noise from passing trains.
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How to find short term accommodation
There are a range of options when it comes to short term accommodation that will help ease you into the city while you search for your new home.
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Air BnB βοΈ
Air BnB's are generally the most comfortable short term accommodation option as you can easily rent a flat or room but prices can escalate quickly. However, many Air BnB listings will offer a discount when you book for more than 10 nights at a time. The further away from Central London the Air BnBΒ is, the cheaper the prices are.
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Hostels π¨
Hostels offer new London movers accommodation at cheaper rates.Β The downsides are that you may be sharing your room with 18 other people (hopefully nobody who snores...). Most hostels enforce a maximum night stay so be sure to enquire as to what this is when considering booking.
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Family or friends π¨βπ©βπ¦
If you're lucky enough to already have family and friends living in London, it may be an option to stay with them while looking for your own flat. This option is obviously dependant on having people in London that you know and that have enough space to accommodate you. London is a very cramped city and space is at a premium across the city, most people living in the city don't have a spare room.
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