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.
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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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