London Flats
 

I'm looking for a web site that would tell me what the basic costs of living are in London. I am looking to rent a place there for 6 months (moving for work). Any ideas for places to look or how much basic flats cost there would be helpful. Thanks!

Is your workplace renting the space for you, or are you paying yourself? I'd recommend getting in touch with Cornerstone Properties or John D. Wood or another estate agent who deals with executive rentals -- there are plenty, although they usually operate under the assumption that the company is paying and are quite expensive (i.e. think New York City rent!).

Monster.com has lots of relocation info, which likely includes something re cost of living. For the UK: http://www.monstermoving.com/Interna...nited_Kingdom/

We've stayed at flats in the Knightsbridge area. If you want I can reply with some names. Another resource is www.hotelapartments.com. Nice person, pictures, etc.

We stayed in LondonSuites in Ovington Square. Try www.londonsuites.com We stayed and loved it but they now are going for longterm rentals. Nice bedroom flats at reasonable prices near Harrods, etc.

Another flat we stayed in is also in Ovington Square. They too take longer term lets. Brookman Town Homes at 20 Ovington Square. If you need further into email me. BTW super location and nice manager, Nicola.

I don't know a web-site, however, a hotelapartment is probably going to cost more than a normally rented place. Hotelapartment you'll pay a flat rate, but it will be high whereas with normal renting you'll pay a lower rent but also have to pay rates and utilities. You'll also probably have to put down a deposit which will be returned at end of tenancy and you'll be asked to provide references. <BR> <BR>If your company is footing the bill then let them take care of everything and go to any rental agent. If though you're on a perdiem rate or paying costs yourself and want to stay within a budget then the further out you are the cheaper it is. There are also flatshare agencies where you can rent a room in a communal flat. <BR> <BR>As an example of rents: I rent out a 2 bedroom house near Orpington (takes 24 minutes from closest station into Victoria) at a charge of 750GBP per month, I have a much smaller flat (still a 2 bedroom and still south) but now only around 16 minutes (into Waterloo) from closest station, and I can get around GBP850 a month. I've just received a flyer about apartments in Lambeth (next to Thames and within sight of Parliament) you can rent out at GBP300 to GCP350 a WEEK for a one bedroom apartment. As you can see, there really is a huge difference in rentals. Also some areas are far more expensive than others: Fulham and Chelsea being good examples. You really need to know what you have to spend and then see the district to check if you'd be happy there before renting. Hope that helps a little.