Distinctly London
Looking for a flat with a decent shower? A
big garden? Off-road parking? Forget
it! If you have found a flat that incorporates all
three of the above features, then you have either
been very clever or very lucky.
London is a crowded city and space is at a
premium. Most housing is typically at least 30-80
years old, often substantially older. While the older
residences (such as the Georgian terraces that still
dot certain suburbs) are more often than not of a
substantially higher quality than the modern efforts,
don't expect decent plumbing and outdoor space
as of right.
Gardens (if you have one at all) will most
likely be blanket-sized areas of grass, or communal
areas that you share with neighbours. Garages are
also rare, so if you have purchased or are renting
a car, you will probably have to park on the street.
To do so, most Councils insist that you have a residents
parking permit, which can be obtained from their offices.
Of course most Londoners wouldn't dream of living
in some of the flats that international travellers
end up living in, but it is also not too difficult
to find better quality accommodation if you are prepared
to be patient and pay a bit extra.
Our Recommended Accommodation Partner in London
is AccommodationLondon.net.
Visit their portal for dozens of flatshare, bedsit,
and hostel options.
Areas of London
While it is no longer possible to generalise given
the high number of temporary residents in London,
there are certain suburbs that are well-known for
their international shared flats.
These include:
South West - Earls Court, Barons Court, and
Gloucester Road. Earls Court in particular has been
an Australasian haunt over the years (nicknamed Kangaroo
Alley), although perhaps less so in recent times due
to rising real estate prices. Close to the city, good
tube links, but can be pricey the nearer you get to
Chelsea and Sloane Square. South of the Thames and
a decent hike into central London, Wimbledon and Putney
have become popular. Clapham and Tooting also have
a high number of traveller flats.
West London - Shepherd's Bush and nearby Hammersmith
are very popular, with a number of Antipodean
pubs in the area servicing both locals and those
from further afield.
North London - Travellers are scattered all
over north London, from Wood Green to Camden, and
Golders Green to Finchley. Suburbs bordering the green
expanse of Hampstead Heath are popular, but expect
to pay premium rates.
East London - in general you will get cheaper
rates in most parts of the less affluent east. Not
too far from the City, Hackney is slowly rejuvenating
and becoming more popular, as is the Docklands redevelopment
on the banks of the Thames.
Before you decide where you want to live, factors
you will need to give careful consideration
to are:
- Distance to central London
- Distance to your place of work
- Transport links and possible costs
- Proximity to shops and amenities
- What you can afford to pay
- Type of area - lifestyle and safety requirements
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