| Map of London - Renting Property in London |
Map of LondonRenting Property in London? |
| Renting Property in London |
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As with any large city, renting property in and around London can be a challenge. If you don't do your homework, renting property in London could be an expensive disaster, but with a good estate agent and some basic real estate common sense, you can still find some good deals. Starting with a basic understanding of how rental property is priced will be a great help. Whether you're renting commercial or residential property in London, a few basic guidelines hold true: 1 . Location, location, location. A retail property for rent on the High Street will cost more than a quiet shop-front in a residential area. A nice flat in central London will cost more than one in an outlying area. Proximity to an Underground station can also affect rental prices. Whether the property is in a "good" or "bad" area of London will have a huge effect on renting prices. 2 . Amenities cost more. A serviced office will cost more than an office you must maintain yourself. A flat with a back garden will cost more than a third-floor walk-up. You may find that it's more difficult to find rentals in central London that feature all the amenities you want. Remember "location, location, location" ? If central London properties are in higher demand, landlords can offer fewer amenities and still fetch high rental prices. Also some amenities, such as front gardens, are simply not available in most central neighbourhoods. If you want amenities at a reasonable cost, consider looking at properties in outlying areas. 3 . Size matters. Decide how much room you need, compared to how much room you want, before you start looking at properties. Rental prices for commercial properties are often listed per square foot, so you'll easily be able to determine your target price range. Even residential properties will cost more by size. Decide if you really need three bedrooms, or could you make do with two ? 4 . Style IS substance. A flat in an ugly concrete council-estate building will often cost much less than one in a classic brick building or stylish warehouse conversion, even when they are all the same size. A retail property in a newly-renovated building with lovely natural lighting will rent at a higher price than one the same size in a dingy, run-down building on the same street. If you're willing to forego a little style, you may find renting prices well within the "bargain" range for the London market. If you're serious about renting property in London, an experienced estate agent can help you find the best property at the best prices. Since renting prices in London depend on so many different factors, it's a good idea to visit many different neighbourhoods, and consult with multiple estate agents who specialize in the type of property and/or neighbourhoods you're interested in. If you're willing to put in the time looking, you will almost certainly find a rental that suits your needs, although it may be in an unexpected place! |