Moving to London (Housing Guidance)

Akshay Bagde Member

Member since 23 December 2024

Akshay BagdeMember23 December 2024 21:11:57

Hi there,

I am a tech professional (30 years) moving to London with my wife, from Seattle, US. I wanted some guidance on what boroughs to look at for renting flats. My office will be in EC1A2FD and would ideally like to stay under 30 mins commute door-to-door. Here are our requirements:

1Bed/1Bath
Fully Furnished
Zone 2
If need to commute via tube, then I've heard good things about the Elizabeth line
My first preference would be to stay in 15-20 mins proximity to Kings Cross
We currently live in the city, so would love an urban vibe with restaurants and pubs in the area, but we're not the party till 4 am type. Would preferably love good restaurants/bakeries/coffee shops in the area, with a young crowd vibe.
Budget: Well, budget might change for the right area/place, but would prefer to be around the 2k range.

My Ask: My ask from you is, given your familiarity with London, looking for borough recommendations. I've already started looking at RightMove, Zoopla for places, any other tips would also be helpful. I've joined Facebook groups, and have talked to a couple private landlords, but don't really know if it's a scam.

Please let me know if you have any additional clarifying questions.

Thank you very much for taking the time!

See also

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SimCityAT Expert

Member since 08 April 2014

SimCityATExpert24 December 2024 00:58:17

13320

@Akshay Bagde

You have done your homework, to look for property in the area.

But I'm surprised your work hasn't offered you any assistance in finding accommodation or rental while you find appropriate accommodation.

Silly question but did they ask any money beforehand for a visa etc...?

Cynic UK/Netherlands Expert

Member since 15 September 2015

CynicUK/Netherlands Expert24 December 2024 12:24:41

8078

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

I was born and then raised in London, but that's not going to help me much in answering your question.聽 Bottom line is that the kind of accommodation you are looking for is always in short supply and because of this very expensive and as you have already pointed out, there is a high risk of being scammed.聽 You won't get much for your budget price.聽 The Numbeo website has detailed information on costs; this will take you straight to cost data for London.

Your forum information tells me you're an Indian citizen, if you're looking to live in an Indian Community in London, then Wembley or Harrow and surrounds may be attractive to you - both are in Zone 2 and on the tube to central London.

To be honest, I don't get the London thing, but I guess that's because I come from there, and I just don't get the fascination; I had the chance of moving back there when I returned from living in the Netherlands and then again 25 years later when I retired.聽 The bottom line here is that if the place you look at is anywhere near the London Underground or Bus routes into the city, then you will pay a large premium for that privilege, more so if there are amenities (shops, libraries, gym etc) close by - these places are popular, in great demand and market forces will affect the price upwards.聽 Google maps is very useful in finding out travel information from and to any address in London, it also includes train and bus information.聽 Unlike the rest of the London Underground, the Elizabeth line was designed and built to be wheelchair accessible, if that's important to your life, then definitely a good choice - the line stretches from NW to NE London (Middlesex to Essex).

Pure coincidence, that postcode is St Bartholomew's Hospital.聽 If that's where you're going, then there are in-house accommodation providers who could help you find somewhere to live.

I hope this helps.

Cynic

Expat Team