Real Estate in England

How do I find a place to live in England?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"My brother lives in Sheffield, so I was lucky to have him show me around," explained one person living in Sheffield, UK.

"I have moved several times since first moving to London. I now live near Marble Arch, which is very central (right next to Hyde Park and to Oxford Street). I've used Loot several times. More recently, I've been using London Property Watch," said another expat in London.

"I used a relocation specialist and I live in central London. My flat is really nice, pricey, but the location is ideal and I am happy with the amount of space. I also have a dog and I wanted to be close to one of the major parks. I tried for three days on my own and got nowhere. The relocation specialist made a huge difference," remarked another member in London.

"We actually live just outside of Colchester in Brightlingsea. We went with new friends to visit this adorable waterside town and just loved it! This is one place that has really kept its charm. People still say hello to each other, and we are only an hour from London, so we have the best of both, IMO," explained one expat living in Colchester, UK.

"Chose the area based on reasonable drive to work (30-40 min) and close to London (20 min by train). Found my 1st flat in the area by using a relo service that my company employed. Later moved by finding a place on my own - visited every estate agent repeatedly, some of them a few times a week, for a few months straight. Finally one of them called me to arrange a viewing. Nothing I viewed was on offer on a window advert," said another person in London.

"My husband is from Stockport so this is where we decided to live. First we rented an apartment in Reddish (Stockport) but it was not a really good place to live in because of all the crimes and noises (drunk people !!). It was 300/month in 2000-2001 + $70/month council taxes + 50/month heating + 25/month water We have now our house in Heaviley (Stockport) which is a quiet area," added another expat who made the move to Stockport.

Furnished Rentals in UK from Homelike

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in UK. If you're moving to UK, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in UK.
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in England?

"I live in a terraced house that is moderately priced. There are many options that appeal to expats alike," said another person in Sheffield.

"I live in a flat, which is typical for the vast majority of expats who live in central London. I have also juts purchased a house, however it is in Zone 3, maybe 7 miles south of central London, where house prices are still somewhat affordable. The majority of expats however live in central London, and only the hedge fund manager and investment bankers among them can afford to buy property in central London," added another expat who made the move to London.

"I am getting a housing subsidy from work to make up for the increase in cost of living. Had this not been the case, I probably could not afford the flat I am in now," explained one foreigner living in London, UK.

"We live in a Victorian terraced house that has been restored. Like most of England, though, it is one of the basic house styles: Very old and crooked, Victorian Terraced, 1930s-40s, 1960s and today's new houses that are made to look like they are converted warehouses," said another in Colchester.

"I eventually bought a flat. Most expats in my area rent or buy a flat, depending on length of stay. Those I know with children usually start by renting a house," explained one expat in London.

"We now live in a semi-detached house with 3 bedrooms (small). Not many expats around where I live so I don't know if it is typical. Easy acces to Manchester city center (where I work) by bus, train," explained one person living in Stockport, UK.

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in UK. If you're moving to UK, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in UK.

SEARCH RENTALS

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in UK. If you're moving to UK, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in UK.

SEARCH RENTALS

What is the average cost of housing in England?

If you are thinking about moving to England, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"So far, accommodation in England is more expensive than any other country I've lived in thus far. I pay 400 Pounds for my house," remarked another foreigner who made the move to Sheffield.

"Housing costs are definitely higher here, significantly so. To rent a 2-bed apartment in a central location, you have to count with at least £400 per week," explained one person living in London, UK.

"The housing costs are higher here, but we also earn better money. It is my experience that the ratio of the cost of living vs. income is proportionate in first world countries. I'm sure this can not be said everywhere, unfortunately, but it's true of England. So...it costs more to live in London BUT you make more money there too," said another expat in Colchester.

"I left the US 14 years ago, so it's hard to say. But, I'd estimate that when I moved to this area, I paid about 75% more in rent than I had been doing in the US," remarked another member in London.

"The cost of housing are higher than they were in Montreal. I paid 83000 for my house a year ago (now the same house sell at 90000-95000). Terraced house are less expensive and the price depends on the area where you live (good or bad area). The same house can be sold at different price depending of the area. Ex: My house in a bad area (Stockport) = +-70000 in a good area (Stockport)= +-120000 !! Bills: 80/month council taxes + 200/year water + 30/year TV license + 45 gaz & electricity + 45 phone&Internet + 38 cable (TV) + 450/month mortage + 25/month house insurance," explained one expat living in Stockport, UK.

"Much higher than Frankfurt Germany small house costs 1500$ excluding expenses 20 min by train from city (and that's a bargain! don't ask me where I live). Houses built like **** but everywhere the same, miss German quality very much," said another person in London.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in England what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Properties come with a cooker and most rentals provide a fridge and washing machine," said another in Sheffield.