The UK, a brilliant country worldwide, boasts the best places to rent in London. If you’re willing to move to London, our blog, with detailed information and a comprehensive guide, will significantly help you. Our in-depth blog for international students looking for the best areas in London to rent will take you through the renting process step by step, offering many answers to your questions.
List of Best Places to Rent in London
The following table offers a glimpse of the best areas in London to rent, along with their average monthly rental. The prices of the neighborhood will stay stable because of the steady demand for housing in London, which provides cost-effective options for the residents with a desire to rent a house.
| 10 Best Places to Rent in London | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Place | Avg. Monthly Rental |
| 1 | Lewisham | £1,740 |
| 2 | Redbridge | £1,720 |
| 3 | Barking and Dagenham | £1,657 |
| 4 | Hillingdon | £1,656 |
| 5 | Enfield | £1,649 |
| 6 | Bromley | £1609 |
| 7 | Havering | £1,583 |
| 8 | Sutton | £1,544 |
| 9 | Croydon | £1,540 |
| 10 | Bexley | £1,520 |
Details of the 10 Best Places to Rent in London
In this part, you’ll be provided with the 10 best places to rent in London, along with their characteristics, average prices and convenience.
Lewisham
Lewisham, with an average rent price of £1740, is among the best places to rent in London. It has one of the largest shopping havens in Southeast London, Lewisham Shopping Centre. In addition, Lewisham also ranks as one of 35 major centers in London and provides a mix of urban life and natural environment, attracting thousands of people to move here. Compared with other places in London, it’s still accessible and affordable when prices rise, which contributes to its popularity and fame.
Redbridge
Redbridge, an area of Ilford in East London, is one of the best areas to rent in London. Its average rent is approximately £1,720. It has various parks, open spaces, and playgrounds, totaling 35. Roding Valley Park boasts a wildlife zone where there are a great number of plants and animals. Besides, it also has many other fantastic parks, such as Epping Forest, Seven Kings Park, and Valentine Park. With diverse natural and artificial landscapes, it draws countless people to rent and buy houses here, which requires less than one hour to reach London by train.
Barking and Dagenham
Barking and Dagenham, the best place to rent a flat in London, has an average rental price of £1,657. No matter for renting or buying, it’s one of London’s most affordable boroughs. Within Barking and Dagenham, there are three main towns, including Barking, Chadwell Heath, and Dagenham. Its southern part is included in the Thames Gateway, which is designed for the regeneration of the urban areas.
Hillingdon
Hillingdon, an area of Uxbridge within the London Borough of Hillingdon, is one of the good places to rent in London. As the biggest borough in West London, as well as the second largest of the 32 London boroughs by area, it has an average renting of £1,656. Additionally, it boasts many historical attractions and the famous Heathrow Airport. It also has many green spaces, including Old Park Wood, Ruislip Woods, and Stockley Country Park.
Enfield
Enfield, the best place to rent in London, boasts a livable environment, fantastic transport links, and attractive green spaces. Enfield offers a sound balance between urban life and natural landscape, becoming an ideal for the local residents, though it’s situated in London, the UK’s largest city. It merges with the municipal boroughs of Southgate and Edmonton, which contributes to its large territory today. The beautiful Enfield blends the vitality of urban areas and the charm of the countryside. Surprisingly, it’s the birthplace of the first ATM. With an average rent of £1,649, it provides a comfortable living environment, good schools, and many green spaces, making it a hot destination for families and students.
Bromley
Bromley, a large town in Greater London, is considered one of the best places to rent in London. As one of the best places to rent in London, it has become a market town and is affected by renters due to the advanced transportation links. People can easily reach London by train. And for those fond of shopping and exploring Bromley High Street, they can secure accommodation in Bromley.
Havering
The Borough of Havering in East London forms the part of Outer London. It’s the best place to rent in London with a rent averaging £1,583. It, with the advantage of reasonable rent, has been ideal for those seeking spacious space and convenience. The Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) provides citizens with quick access to the heart of London. Except for the green belts, it’s also home to many shopping stalls for visitors and locals.
Sutton
With an average rent of £1,544, Sutton is included in the list of good places to rent in London. It is the administrative headquarters of the Outer London borough, on the lower slopes of the North Downs. It’s home to many religious places, historical landmarks, shopping centers, and four conservation areas. Meanwhile, it has major railway stations, offering quick access to London. In a word, it’s a great destination for renters and buyers.
Croydon
Croydon, located in the southern part of London, is among the best places in London to rent. It, with a large shopping area, is one of the biggest commercial places. In this area, people are lucky to have various food choices and explore many attractions. With fantastic transportation links and not-so-high renting, averaging £1,540, it has become a perfect choice for renters.
Bexley
Bexley, the cheapest district in London, is one of the best areas to rent in London. There are many railway stations, including Abbey Wood, Albany Park, and Barnehurst, attracting countless renters to move here. Today, spending 2 hours commuting is rather common, but if you live in Bexley, within 45 minutes to 1 hour, you can reach central London. Meanwhile, it’s home to outstanding schools, green spaces, and affordable accommodations. With these advantages, it appeals to more and more people to consider Bexley as a top choice.
Average Prices of Best Places Rent London
The UK’s average rent is approximately £1,220, while that of London is about £2,119, making it the most expensive area to rent a house nationwide. In the past 10 years, the average rental price in London has increased by over £500, which indicates the living expenses in London have a growing trend. However, the rise in price is not entirely harmful. The data is presented in the table.
| Average Price of Good Places to Rent in London | |
|---|---|
| Time | Avg. Price |
| 2013 | £1,529 |
| 2014 | £1,610 |
| 2015 | £1,670 |
| 2016 | £1,635 |
| 2017 | £1,630 |
| 2018 | £1,657 |
| 2019 | £1,698 |
| 2020 | £1,549 |
| 2021 | £1,715 |
| 2022 | £1,991 |
| 2023 | £2,119 |
Details of Spending on Best Areas to Rent in London
As an international metropolis, London has gained great popularity worldwide. The high demand for renting a satisfactory apartment means high expenditure. And compared with the last year, renting has risen by over 15 percent due to the pent-up demand after the pandemic. It’s necessary to have a sound plan for the rental budget, so before viewing, you need to take many elements into account.
- Monthly Rent: The monthly rent is multiplying the weekly rent by 52 (weeks) and then dividing it by 12 (months).
- Deposit: Usually, you’re asked for a deposit equivalent to five weeks’ rent to cover damages during the tenancy.
- Council Tax: It’s charged by the local council for your access to public services, such as community services, roads, and doctors.
- Utility Bill: It’s for indispensable services, including water, electricity, gas, and internet.
- Home Contents Insurance: If you have valuables, you’d better insure them against losing.
Effects on the Rental of Best Areas in London to Rent
The rental prices of those good places to rent in London depends on many factors, which are listed as follows:
- Demand VS Supply: The imbalance between high demand and low supply leads to an increase in rental prices.
- Fluctuation of Mortgages: The rise in home loans can lead to fewer buyers and prevent them from getting their houses, which will lift the demand for renting.
- Growth in Income: If the salary increases successively, there will be a larger demand for renting apartments. More and more people are searching for new residences to rent.
The market of renting is flexible due to many factors, except for the 3 above aspects. Any result is not caused by a single element but by all factors.
Keeping the Best Areas in London to Rent
You’re expected to keep the house after choosing the best one, but sometimes you need to compete with others for the flat. Therefore, we’ll offer you some suggestions for guaranteeing your chosen one:
- Ensure it’s not beyond your affordability.
- Prepare your requirements well.
- Take the initiative in visiting the house.
You’re expected to maintain your living level by using as many resources as you can since you are living in one of the best cities around the world. You still have many areas to choose from though the rental prices are on the rise.
How Can uhomes.com Help?
As an international student, you definitely want comfortable, affordable housing so you can focus on your studies. At our online platform, uhomes.com, you’ll have various cost-effective options for living across London. Whether you’re looking for student accommodation in London near campus or a friendly shared flat with easy transport links, with a couple of clicks, you can find the most appropriate one! Stop scrolling through endless options and start your London adventure right. Your perfect student home is waiting at uhomes.com!
Conclusion of Best Places to Rent in London
Though it’s tricky to find the best places to rent in London, there are still many affordable areas where you can find apartments or flats. You can have the opportunity to access budget-friendly living and convenient amenities alike. In a word, London, with its advanced facilities and a livable environment, is a wonderful city for everyone to live in.
FAQ of Best Places to Rent in London
What is the best area to rent in London?
The best places to rent in London includes Forest Gate, Woolwich, and Tottenham, which have their own advantages in affordability, location, convenience and location. Meanwhile, there are some other good places to rent in London, like Lewisham, Redbridge, and Barking and Dagenham.
Which side of London is the cheapest to rent?
South-East London is affordable for renters. Bexley offers remarkably budget-friendly rental rates when contrasted with central London. A one-bedroom apartment typically ranges between £800 to £850 monthly, while two-bedroom units begin at approximately £1,200 per month.
What is the safest and cheapest area in London?
The safest and cheapest area in London is Bexley. Nestled in southeast London, Bexley is a suburban gem celebrated for its welcoming family atmosphere and cost-effective housing market. The area’s tight-knit community spirit and abundance of family-oriented facilities make it an ideal destination for those seeking secure and budget-conscious living.
Where is tenant demand strongest in UK?
Wrexham has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly through the popular documentary series Welcome to Wrexham, which chronicles actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s acquisition of the historic football club. The city has now become the hottest rental market currently, receiving an average of 54 prospective tenant inquiries per available property.
