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Are you thinking about moving your whole family to London? You’ll be one of the many families migrating to the UK. According to reports, the UK government issues approximately 38,000 family unification visas every year.
It’s not surprising for the UK to have a high migration rate because it offers a lot of opportunities for a growing family. They have incredible schools, great healthcare systems, various career possibilities and other opportunities for every member of the family.
Before you think about moving the whole family, there’s one thing you have to consider – where will you all live? You have a lot of options – but it’s important to search specifically for properties where your family can live comfortably.
In this article, you’ll get tips that can help you search for family-friendly rentals. You’ll also find out 3 ways you can look for possible rental properties for your family.
How to Search London for Family-Friendly Rentals
When looking for family-friendly rentals, it’s important to be strategic about it. There are many things to consider to ensure that you and your family will have everything you need in the new place you’ll call home.
It’s not just about looking at how many bedrooms there are or how much the monthly rent is. You have to consider the neighbourhood and the amenities within the vicinity. You want to be able to buy the essentials in nearby establishments so you can easily stock up on what you need without having to travel far.
To ensure that you’ll find the best place for your family, here are 4 steps you need to follow.
Step 1: Find the Right London Neighbourhood
London has 32 boroughs in all. Each of them offers something different. It would benefit you to take a look at them all so you can make a smart choice about where your family will live.
Acton, Islington, Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush, Clapham and Battersea are among your options for family-friendly places. When making a choice, think about the proximity to your work and the transportation options. How will you commute to work if it’s not within walking distance? You should also look at schools for your children. Where can they attend so you can live nearby?
Look at the neighbourhood’s safety ranking, too. What is the crime rate and how safe is it to raise children there?
Step 2: Choose the Type of Family Rental
Familiarise yourself with the different types of family rentals. The most affordable rental property in London is a flat. These can be in buildings and they come in different sizes and layouts – with various options that include a studio and multiple bedrooms. A slight upgrade from flats is apartments that can have multiple levels. You can also consider renting houses – but considering the size, these might be more expensive.
Make sure you consider the rental costs and calculate how much you can afford. This will allow you to negotiate a good price or find the right neighbourhood that has the rental rate you can afford.
Don’t forget to check the lease agreement. Read about the legalities of renting in London so you won’t be blindsided when it comes to the lease agreement. Be aware of your rights so you can get the best rental rate.
Step 3: List the Essential Rental Features Needed
Consider the number of bedrooms based on how big your family is. Once you’ve considered the number of rooms and bathrooms, it’s time to look at the layout. Some 2-bedroom flats are 60sqm while others are 90sqm and bigger. Think about what is comfortable for your family.
You should also scrutinise the features of the property. Does it have enough storage for your things? Is the kitchen functional enough for you to cook your meals? You also want to look at the safety features like childproof locks and secure windows. Check if there’s a balcony or outdoor space. These would enhance your family’s living space.
Step 4: Research Nearby Amenities and Services
Finally, check out nearby restaurants, bars and recreational facilities that you might want to enjoy with your family. Where is the nearest shopping centre or grocery store?
Check for stores where you can get the essentials and food items. Look for nearby medical facilities you can run to in case of emergencies. The schools will also be an important factor to consider.
Don’t forget parks, playgrounds and sports facilities. See if there are libraries and museums nearby. It all depends on what your family likes to do together.
In case some of these aren’t available, check nearby neighbourhoods and consider the public transport. Would it be easy to go to the next borough to access what you need?
Where to Look for Family-Friendly Rentals in London
There are many ways to find the perfect family-friendly rentals in London. The key is to know where to look.
There are several resources you can use to streamline your search so you can get several options to choose from.
Through online property listings
Searching through online property listings is a great way to start. Even if you’re far from London, you can look at the rental properties available in the market.
Most online listings have virtual tours so you’ll get a feel of what it’s like to walk around the property even if you’re just doing it through the screen. You can list possible locations to narrow your search before viewing properties in person.
Through personal contacts
You can also find properties by asking family, friends or colleagues living in London. Maybe there’s an available flat or apartment near their place. It could be nice to live near someone you know already. It would be easier to adjust if there’s a familiar face who can show you and your family around.
Sometimes, there are rental properties not advertised. They could help you find these. At the very least, they could recommend you to agents who helped them settle down.
Through real estate agents
Another option is to check out real estate agents in London. They have an in-depth knowledge of the London rental market and specific neighbourhoods. They can give you insights into possible locations where you can feel at home. These agents can arrange viewings and negotiate rental terms. They can also help you with any paperwork involved.
Through property management companies
Working with property management companies is another option you can use to access family-friendly rentals. Companies like City Relay manage properties in various areas in London. So wherever you decide to rent, there’s a high chance they are managing a property there. Given the extensive area that property management companies cover, it’s easier to find a match based on your specific requirements.
Find the Perfect Rental Property
Finding the perfect family-friendly rental in London is not hard – but you need to be thorough when you research your options. Make sure you understand the legalities of renting in London and the documents you need to show to qualify to rent a property for your family.
With the right help, you can secure a safe space where your family can live in peace as you start a new life in London.
When it comes to rental properties, City Relay has hundreds of options you can choose from. Find out more about our rental properties in London. You can also contact us so we can match you with the right property that suits your specific needs.
