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In London, house shares are a particularly attractive option. The city is teeming with young professionals who might be keen to save on the cost of housing.
Splitting the bills with other people is a great way to do this. But exactly where in the city might you seek a house share? Let’s take a look at a few options.
Overview of London’s Rental Market
According to data from the London Assembly, the median rent for London sits at more than two thousand pounds per month.
In general, the closer a property is to the very centre of the city, the more expensive it will be. You might see much, much higher rents as you approach Westminster and the City of London.
On the other hand, if you’re willing to rent on the outskirts, you might find that there are properties available for under £1,700 per month.
What works for you will tend to depend on how much commuting you’re doing, and how important it is that you have convenient access to the centre of town.
For some professionals, being close to clients, meeting spaces, or industry hubs is crucial. For others, a longer commute may be a worthwhile trade-off for a larger, more affordable home.
It’s also worth remembering that certain areas outside Zone 1 are still well connected by the Overground, National Rail, and night buses, which can be a lifeline for shift workers or late-night socialisers.
Best Boroughs for House Shares
Certain boroughs offer a winning combination of low costs, accessibility, an interesting local subculture, and community spaces.
Hackney, Walthamstow and Brixton are all popular with young professionals looking for a house share in London; thus, you might find a number of house shares here.
In Hackney, the prices start at less than £1,000 for a one-bedroom flat, and rise to more than £3,000 for a house with four rooms.
If you can split the costs four ways, therefore, you can end up with a better deal. The borough is a popular haunt for creative people.
The same might be said of Brixton, where markets, street art, and interesting new kinds of music are all within easy reach.
Walthamstow has also grown in popularity thanks to its vibrant village feel and access to the Victoria line.
House shares here tend to attract artists, teachers, and NHS workers due to a mix of affordability and community spirit.
Additionally, areas like Peckham and Deptford are emerging as affordable alternatives, especially for those priced out of more established hotspots.
These neighbourhoods have lively local scenes, growing coworking spaces, and better-than-ever transport links, making them ideal for professionals who want culture without the central London price tag.
Considerations When Choosing a House Share
So, what should a would-be house sharer think about?
The most important factor to consider, arguably, is the transport links you’ll need. For most in London, this means proximity to the local tube station.
You’ll also need to think about whether the area meets your lifestyle needs. If you want to go jogging in a local park every day, then you’ll need a park that fits the bill.
It’s also worth thinking about the personal qualities of your would-be housemates. If you can’t see yourself getting on with these people, then it’s unlikely that the house share will work out, and you’ll have to put up with the stress of moving back out again and starting the process of searching all over again.
You might also want to ask about how bills are managed—some houses split everything equally, while others have one person in charge of finances.
Don’t underestimate the importance of house dynamics, especially when you’re sharing communal spaces like kitchens and living rooms.
A quick visit or chat with future housemates can help avoid awkward surprises.
The Impact of Remote Work on House Shares in London
Of course, if you’re working remotely, then you don’t need to be as close to the centre of town, and you might not even need to have easy access to public transport.
This means that you can allocate more money to your housing. You might live in a bigger house further out of town – or you might pocket the difference and pay off your debts (or build up your savings) that much more quickly.
Some remote workers even opt to split their time between London and another city, subletting their room while they’re away.
This kind of flexibility is far easier in house shares, especially in professional ones where flatmates understand the ebb and flow of hybrid working life.
With broadband access being a priority, many shared homes now advertise high-speed Wi-Fi and dedicated desk space, catering directly to this growing demand.
