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Home/Blogs/Overseas Teachers in the UK/How to find somewhere to live in London and beyond

How to find somewhere to live in London and beyond

Securing a place to live in London or other parts of England as an Aussie, NZ or Canadian coming over to teach, can be competitive, especially in popular neighbourhoods.

As tempting as it is to try and sort out accommodation before you arrive, you can be easily scammed if you are accepting a contract sight unseen. Read about scams to look out for in our blog,  Scam Alert! Be aware before you travel.

When you register with Teach in you will have a local and a UK Consultant and with that comes lots of support with helping you secure a job and transition to living and working in the UK. Lots of our teachers end up flatting together and travelling together and so you may get a room in a teacher house and sometimes our schools know of other teachers with rooms to let or subsidised accommodation on site or near the school.

Here’s a guide to help you find and secure housing, from initial research to signing a lease:

  1. Research Neighbourhoods Beforehand
  • Budget and Priorities: Decide on a monthly rent budget and list your top priorities, such as proximity to public transport, local amenities, safety, and commute time.
  • Popular Areas: Overseas teachers often choose neighbourhoods like Clapham, Balham, Fulham, and Hammersmith, which are well-connected, have a social atmosphere, and are popular among expats. They are also very pricey! Other parts of London that are very popular include Greenwich, Islington and Camden and more and more fringe areas like Ealing and Barnet are cheaper and also well connected. Many teachers are starting to look at the fringes of London to combine proximity to the city with affordability.
  • Transport Links: London’s Tube network is extensive, so focus on areas with easy access to a line that suits your daily commute and lifestyle.

  1. Plan for Short-Term Accommodation First
  • Temporary Housing Options: Since it may take time to secure long-term housing, consider staying in short-term accommodation like a hostel, Airbnb, or serviced apartment for the first few weeks. If you have a couch to surf on, even better!
  • Explore House-Sitting: Websites like TrustedHousesitters can offer affordable temporary housing while you search for a long-term rental.
  1. Use Online Rental Platforms and Apps
  • Trusted Websites: Sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, SpareRoom, and Gumtree are popular for finding rentals. SpareRoom and Gumtree are also good options for shared flats.
  • Set Alerts: Create notifications on these platforms to be alerted when properties that match your criteria are listed, as places move fast.
  • Social Media Groups: Facebook groups like “London Flatmates” can also be good resources for shared housing and rentals.
  1. Be Prepared to Move Quickly
  • Have Documents Ready: London’s rental market moves fast, so have essential documents ready, such as your passport, proof of employment (or income), bank statements, references from previous landlords, and possibly a UK guarantor.
  • Guarantor Services: Many landlords require a UK-based guarantor. If you don’t have one, consider using a guarantor service like Housing Hand, which can act as your guarantor for a fee. Also ask us to be a referee for you or proof of your job.

  1. Consider Letting Agents
  • Registered Agents: Using a letting agent can simplify the process. Look for agencies registered with the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) or The Property Ombudsman.
  • View Multiple Properties: Some agents specialize in specific neighbourhoods or price ranges, so working with one can give you more options that match your needs.
  1. Be Cautious About Scams
  • Avoid Prepayment Requests: Never pay a deposit or rent before viewing the property in person and confirming it’s a legitimate offer. Scams targeting newcomers are common.
  • Check for Verified Properties: Only deal with verified agents and landlords, especially when using websites like Gumtree, which can sometimes list scams.
  1. Understand the Rental Process
  • Tenancy Agreement: The rental contract should clearly outline the terms, including rent, security deposit, and any fees. It’s common to sign an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement.
  • Deposit Protection: In the UK, landlords are legally required to place your deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme (TDS, DPS, or MyDeposits). This protects your money in case of disputes at the end of the tenancy.
  • Inventory Check: When you move in, both you and the landlord or agent should complete a detailed inventory check, documenting the condition of the property and any furnishings to prevent disputes later.

  1. Consider Flat-Sharing
  • Joining a Sharehouse: Many young Aussies find flat shares in London to save on costs and meet people. Websites like SpareRoom and Roomgo are ideal for finding housemates.
  • Housemate Compatibility: When arranging viewings, meet all the housemates to get a sense of the dynamic. Compatibility is important since you’ll be sharing living space.
  1. Factor in Extra Costs
  • Utilities and Council Tax: Some rentals include utilities, but others do not. If you’re renting alone or in a private flat, expect to pay council tax, utilities, internet, and possibly service charges if it’s a managed building.
  • Furnishings: Some rentals come furnished, while others do not. If unfurnished, budget for basics like a bed, couch, and appliances.
  1. Prepare to Adapt
  • Expect Some Compromise: London’s rental market is competitive, and it may be challenging to find a place that ticks every box. Being flexible on location or amenities can improve your options.
  • Seek Help from Fellow Aussies: Aussies in London or similar social groups are usually happy to offer advice, rental tips, and even connections.

Finding a place to live in London can take patience, so start your search early, stay organized, and be prepared to act quickly when you find a suitable place.

Let’s break down the top apps and websites in more detail:

  1. SpareRoom
  • Platform: Website and App
  • Features: SpareRoom is the go-to platform for finding flatshares or single rooms to rent in shared housing. It’s popular among young professionals and students, and has options ranging from private rooms to buddy-up opportunities for entire flats.
  • Unique Advantage: SpareRoom’s “SpeedFlatmating” events allow you to meet potential roommates face-to-face, and it has an option for searching “Monday to Friday” rentals for those working part-time in London.
  1. Rightmove
  • Platform: Website and App
  • Features: Rightmove is one of the largest property listing sites in the UK, featuring everything from studio apartments to entire houses. You can filter by location, price, and other criteria.
  • Unique Advantage: Rightmove’s comprehensive listings and regular updates make it easy to stay on top of new properties in competitive neighborhoods.
  1. Zoopla
  • Platform: Website and App
  • Features: Similar to Rightmove, Zoopla has a vast selection of properties for rent, ranging from single rooms to large homes. You can filter by budget, location, amenities, and more.
  • Unique Advantage: Zoopla provides market insights and rental estimates, which can help you gauge if a property is priced fairly for the area.
  1. Gumtree
  • Platform: Website and App
  • Features: Known for its classified ads, Gumtree offers rooms, flats, and house rentals. While it’s good for finding budget options, listings can vary in quality.
  • Unique Advantage: Gumtree can be helpful for finding last-minute rentals and some landlords may post properties directly, allowing you to bypass agency fees.
  1. OpenRent
  • Platform: Website and App
  • Features: OpenRent connects renters directly with landlords, cutting out letting agents and fees. It lists verified properties across London and the UK, allowing renters to arrange viewings and submit offers through the platform.
  • Unique Advantage: Because there are no letting agent fees, OpenRent can be a budget-friendly way to find rental options directly from landlords.
  1. Badi
  • Platform: Website and App
  • Features: Badi is popular for finding flatshares and rooms for rent. It has a Tinder-style swiping feature where you can match with potential roommates and message directly through the app.
  • Unique Advantage: Badi’s social features make it easy to connect with others and find compatible housemates.
  1. Ideal Flatmate
  • Platform: Website and App
  • Features: Ideal Flatmate is designed to match people based on personality traits, making it a great choice for finding compatible roommates.
  • Unique Advantage: The platform uses a personality quiz to help match you with compatible housemates and rooms, focusing on creating a harmonious living environment.
  1. Facebook Groups and Marketplace
  • Platform: Website and App
  • Features: Groups like  “Flatmates London,” or “London Rooms & Flatshares” often feature private listings for rooms and apartments to rent.
  • Unique Advantage: Facebook groups allow direct communication with other renters, often leading to cheaper rentals without agent fees. Just ensure listings are legitimate to avoid scams.
  1. Airbnb (for Short-Term Rentals)
  • Platform: Website and App
  • Features: Airbnb is ideal for short-term stays while you look for a permanent rental. It offers a range of options, from single rooms to entire apartments.
  • Unique Advantage: Many Airbnb hosts offer discounts for monthly stays, which can be useful while securing long-term housing.
  1. Movebubble
  • Platform: App only
  • Features: Movebubble is designed specifically for renters, with verified listings, video tours, and direct messaging to set up viewings or request additional information.
  • Unique Advantage: Movebubble’s focus on video tours lets you view properties remotely, ideal if you’re organizing your move before you arrive in London.
  1. Nestpick (for Furnished Rentals)
  • Platform: Website
  • Features: Nestpick aggregates furnished rental options across multiple sites, offering listings that range from rooms to entire flats, especially useful for those seeking a move-in-ready space.
  • Unique Advantage: With a focus on furnished options, it’s useful for expats and international travellers looking for a straightforward rental without furnishing hassles.
  1. Roomi (for Roommates and Shared Housing)
  • Platform: Website and App
  • Features: Roomi connects renters with rooms in shared apartments. The app verifies listings and has safety features to keep interactions safe.
  • Unique Advantage: Its roommate-matching feature allows you to search based on shared lifestyle preferences, enhancing compatibility for shared housing.

Each of these apps and websites has unique features, so using a combination can help you find a suitable place within your budget and preferences in London’s fast-paced rental market.

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