How to Find Affordable Housing for Your First Move to London

Moving to London for the first time is exciting-but finding a place you can actually afford? That’s where most people hit a wall. You’re not alone. In 2026, the average rent for a one-bedroom flat in London is £1,850 a month. That’s more than most entry-level salaries. But here’s the truth: you can find affordable housing in London if you know where to look, what to avoid, and how to move fast.

Start by targeting the right zones

Forget Zone 1. Yes, it’s convenient. Yes, it’s central. But a studio in Camden or Shoreditch will eat up 70% of your take-home pay. Instead, focus on Zones 3-5. Places like Croydon, Barking, or Stratford offer one-bed flats for £1,200-£1,500. You’ll still get a 20-minute train ride into the city center, and you’ll save hundreds every month.

Don’t ignore outer boroughs like Bromley or Enfield. They’re not glamorous, but rent is often 30-40% cheaper than inner zones. A 2025 survey by the London Housing Foundation found that 62% of first-time renters in Zone 5 paid under £1,300-compared to just 17% in Zone 1.

Use the right websites-skip the middlemen

Zoopla and Rightmove are full of listings, but they’re also flooded with agency fees. Many landlords now rent directly to save money. Try these instead:

• OpenRent - Lets you contact landlords directly, no agent fees
• Gumtree - Watch for ‘private landlord’ posts, avoid ‘letting agent’
• Facebook Groups - Search ‘London Renting Without Agents’ or ‘First Time Renters London’
• Student.com - Even if you’re not a student, they list affordable private rentals near universities

Pro tip: If you see a listing with a photo of a smiling agent holding a key, walk away. That’s an agency. You’ll pay 1-2 weeks’ rent as a fee. Direct rentals? Zero fees.

Consider shared housing-your best bet for savings

Living alone in London is a luxury most can’t afford. Shared flats (or HMOs-Houses in Multiple Occupation) are the norm for newcomers. A room in a 4-bedroom flat in Lewisham or Croydon can cost as little as £800-£1,000 a month, including bills.

Use Flatmates.com or ShareBnb to find people who already live together. You’ll get a clearer picture of the house rules, who you’ll be living with, and whether the rent includes utilities. Avoid listings that say ‘room available’ without mentioning the landlord or current tenants. That’s often a scam.

One person I met moved from Manchester last year. She found a room in a 5-bedroom flat in New Cross through a Facebook group. Her rent? £890. Her commute? 28 minutes to Waterloo. She saved £600 a month compared to her friend who took a studio in Islington.

Know the hidden costs

Rent isn’t the only bill. In London, you need to budget for:

• Deposit - Usually 5 weeks’ rent (capped by law). That’s £4,000-£5,000 for a £1,500 flat.
• Utilities - If not included, add £120-£180/month for gas, electricity, water
• Internet - £25-£40/month
• TV License - £159/year (required by law)
• Council Tax - Varies by borough. In outer zones, it’s £120-£180/month

Some listings say ‘bills included’-but check what’s covered. Some only include water. Others don’t include WiFi. Always ask for a breakdown.

Timing matters more than you think

Most people start looking in June or July-right before the student rush. That’s when prices spike. The best time to find cheap housing is January to March. Landlords are desperate to fill vacancies after the holiday slump. You’ll find more options, less competition, and sometimes even rent discounts.

One landlord in Walthamstow told me he dropped the rent by £100/month for a tenant who moved in on February 1. He just wanted the flat filled. That’s the kind of deal you can get if you’re ready to sign fast.

Prepare your documents before you look

Landlords in London don’t mess around. If you don’t have your paperwork ready, you’ll lose out-even if you love the place.

Have these ready before you even schedule a viewing:

• Proof of income (last 3 payslips or bank statements)
• Employment letter (even if you just started)
• UK bank account (if you don’t have one yet, get one before you arrive)
• References (previous landlord or employer)
• Right to Rent check documents (passport, visa, biometric card)

Many landlords use third-party referencing services like CheckMyTenant or Guarantor.com. If you’re self-employed or new to the UK, consider a guarantor. A friend or family member with a UK address can vouch for you.

Watch out for scams

London has a lot of rental scams. Here’s how to spot them:

• Too good to be true? A £700 one-bed in Zone 1? It’s fake.
• They won’t let you view? Real landlords will always let you see the place.
• They ask for money upfront? Never pay a deposit or first month’s rent without a signed contract and proof of ownership.
• Photos look like stock images? Google reverse image search the listing photos. If they appear on 10 other sites, it’s a scam.

Scammers often use fake agency names. Always verify the landlord’s name on the Land Registry website. If you’re unsure, call the local council’s housing team-they’ll help you check.

Think long-term: negotiate your lease

Most rentals are 6-12 months. But if you’re planning to stay longer, ask for a 12-month lease with a fixed rent. Landlords prefer stable tenants. You might get a 2-3% discount just by offering to sign longer.

Also, ask if you can pay rent monthly instead of quarterly. Many landlords will agree-it’s easier for you, and they still get paid on time.

What if you can’t find anything?

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t find a place, contact your local council’s housing advice team. In London, every borough has a Housing Options service. They can help you with:

• Temporary accommodation while you search
• Access to social housing waitlists
• Connections to housing charities like Shelter or Crisis

Don’t wait until you’re homeless. Reach out early. You don’t need to be destitute to qualify for help.

Final tip: Move in with a friend

If you know someone already living in London, ask if you can stay with them for a few weeks while you look. Even 2-3 weeks of free accommodation gives you breathing room to find the right place without panic.

I spoke to a woman who moved from Ireland last year. She stayed with her cousin for three weeks. Used that time to visit 12 flats, talk to 5 landlords, and sign a lease on a £1,100 room in Wembley. She didn’t pay a penny in rent for her first month in London.

It’s not easy. But it’s doable. The key isn’t luck-it’s strategy. Know your budget. Know your zones. Know your rights. And don’t rush. The right place is out there. You just need to look smart.