London isn’t the most affordable capital city, but nor does it claim to be. However, there are ways to cut costs, one of which is by opting for a studio apartment instead of a one-bedroom apartment. Renting a studio apartment in London is a great choice if you’re hoping to reduce the amount of rent you’re paying each month. Generally smaller than most one-bedroom apartments in the capital city, studio apartments tend to cost a couple of hundred pounds less to rent a month. Studio apartments in London normally consist of two rooms: the first being your living, sleeping, and dining space and the second being your bathroom. While this may, at first, seem a little cramped, modern design and technology have given rise to lots of smart space-saving features. These include beds that fold up to the wall to be used as shelves during the day, a mezzanine level that helps to separate your bedroom from your kitchen, and even a kitchen worktop that transforms into a spacious dining table. In a city as sought after as London, where demand for housing is often much higher than the supply available, you’ll find studio apartments squeezed into all sorts of districts and neighborhoods. This means that when it comes to renting a studio apartment in London, you pretty much have the whole city to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a modern studio apartment in a new high-rise block in the heart of the financial center or a characterful studio apartment in one of London’s many townhouses in the green leafy suburbs, there are plenty of studio apartments to choose from.
Who should rent a studio apartment in London?
Studio apartments are great for many different reasons, but one of their main advantages is that they give those who don’t want to share an apartment with others, their own space. That’s without having to pay the, often more expensive, rent for a one-bedroom apartment. If you’re moving to London for work and you don’t know anybody in town, studio apartments are a great place to start. Equally, if you’re only working in London on business once or twice a week, a studio apartment is the perfect place to call home while you’re in the city. Rather than paying for an expensive hotel every time you come to the city, or worse still, having to go to a different apartment each week, a studio apartment is an affordable alternative. Likewise, if you’re a student moving to the Big Smoke, but you don’t want to move into a student residence, a studio apartment can be a great compromise. You’ll have everything you need to create a cozy home for yourself, including a kitchen, living space, and bedroom and the freedom to be as close (or as far away) from your university as you wish. Some of the more spacious studio apartments in London can also be useful for couples hoping to create a bit of their own space and save money on rent too. However, larger studio apartments that are suitable for two are a little harder to come by in the city, and get scooped up quickly! To secure a studio apartment in London today, use Homelike’s smart filterable search engine to narrow down your options and find something according to your wants, needs, and budget.
Best neighborhoods to look for studio apartments in London
The best neighborhoods to rent in London depend on many factors including your budget and lifestyle. Areas we recommend include the following- Camden, Notting Hill, Richmond, Kensington, Chelsea, Fitzrovia, Hampstead, Maida Vale, Chelsea, Earls Court, Battersea and Shoreditch. See our detailed guide on London's best neighborhoods to know more. If you’re moving to London with your family, read our guide on London's family-friendly neighborhood as well.
Average rent for studio apartments in London
As you can imagine, renting a studio apartment in one of the most expensive cities in the world doesn’t come cheaply. However, with the sights and sounds of the big city, this extra monthly expense can be worth it! Like most major cities, the rent differs from area to area. Generally speaking, studio apartments in London’s inner and western neighborhoods are some of the most expensive places to rent. This includes Soho, Kensington, Islington, and Lamberth, where rents on a studio apartment easily top £2,000/month. For something a little more affordable, renting a studio apartment in Camden, Hackney or Brent averages around £1,000/month. Alternatively, if you don’t mind traveling into the city to save on rent, you’ll find the cheapest studio apartments in London in its very outer suburbs. In neighborhoods such as Ealing, Croydon, and Bromely you can expect to pay between £900 and £1500/month for a studio apartment.
Tips on moving to London
Moving to any new city can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, and when it comes to a titan of a city such as London, this can be doubled tenfold. Whether you’re moving from somewhere else in the UK or internationally, arriving in London can be a huge culture shock. One of the best tips is understanding the geography of the city, where things are, and how you are going to get around. The city’s underground tube network is a fantastic way in which to do this, and getting acquainted with the tube is a must. It is also advisable to set yourself a budget, understand it and stick to it! London can be one of the most expensive cities in which to live and with bills, socializing, and travel, the cost can quickly stack up. We have put together a handy guide with essential information for anyone who wishes to move to London.