London is one of the world’s best-loved cities. With its population of almost nine million, the city attracts people from all over the globe. Visitors are drawn to its long and storied history and its vibrant cultural scene. Residents, on the other hand, love London for its exciting career opportunities, fast-paced lifestyle, and the unique sense of community in every London borough. Verified residents of some of London’s newest property developments have provided HomeViews with their perspective on living in the capital. HomeViews has compiled their reviews to create this list of the best 1 bedroom flats to rent in London.
Living in London
Every region and borough of London provides a different experience for residents. The city has something for every taste, culture and budget. Whether you’re young or old, looking for an exciting, fast-paced lifestyle or seeking a more relaxed way of life, there are areas to suit your needs.
Greater London covers some 615 square miles, so it’s easier to think about the city as distinct areas rather than a homogeneous whole. There are fashionable high streets in Chelsea and St. John’s Wood, as well as thriving, regenerated former industrial centres around East London. The leafy suburbs of Richmond, Barnes and Hampstead contrast with the modern high-rise developments of Nine Elms and the Docklands. The village atmospheres of Dulwich, Chiswick and Notting Hill’s Portobello Road provide a different experience to the constant buzz of Soho and the West End.
The city is connected by one of the world’s finest public transport systems. Central London is easily accessible from its suburbs, while you can navigate around the city using a choice of the underground, bus services and overground rail.
One of the newest property trends in London is the London is for purpose-built rental buildings, or ‘Build to Rent’. These new buildings are providing fresh options for people looking to settle in the city.
Build to Rent vs. traditional rental sector
Build to rent developments are purpose-built to rent, rather than sell. Usually new-build apartment blocks, build to rent developments offering an alternative to the traditional private rental sector, with numerous perks for residents that aren’t usually available to private renters.
Rental-only apartment developments can offer excellent perks, including full-furnished apartments with modern styling, on-site management teams and communal areas for working and socialising. Some packages include perks like health club and spa facilities or 24-hour concierge services.
Build to rent properties can offer the security of longer-term tenancies, while flexible, shorter tenancies can also available. Some developments offer tenancy terms of up to five years. One of the main attractions of build to rent developments, according to the reviews of verified residents on HomeViews, is their sense of community.
Choosing a build to rent apartment does typically work out slightly more expensive than traditional private rental properties. The packages available to build to rent tenants though, do tend to include a number of extras that aren’t available to the private renter.
London rentals
Rental prices in London differ according to the area of the development and the type of property. HomeViews produced a definitive guide to rental prices in London, using London.Gov’s London Rental Map. The list ranks the average rental price in each London borough.
Kensington and Chelsea takes top spot as the most expensive London borough. A two-bedroom apartment costs on average £2,708 per month in this fashionable and upmarket are of the city. According to the rankings, the most affordable borough is Bexley. A two-bedroom apartment in Bexley costs an average of £1,100 per month. Take a look at our guide to find out more about the rental prices of each London borough.
1-bed flats to rent in London: 10 best developments as rated by residents
Now it’s time to take a look at the list of the top 10 1-bed flats to rent in London, according to the reviews of verified residents. The developments are rated according to the results of HomeViews’ 2021 Build to Rent Awards.
Everything from design and facilities, to the management team, services, location and value for money were considered when awarding the rankings. Take a look at the list to see the very best rental-only developments London has to offer.
4.92 (28 reviews)
4.92 (28 reviews)
The best 1-bed flats to rent in London is Canary Wharf’s 8 Water Street, according to residents. This popular development of 174 apartments has a landscaped private garden overlooking South Dock and the quiet boardwalks of Water Square. The development also has an expansive roof terrace for use by the residents, the largest outdoor space in the Vertus portfolio. Reviewers mention the superb concierge service, attractive communal areas and excellent amenities available to residents.
4.73 (121 reviews)
4.73 (121 reviews)
Second position in this top rental developments list goes to be:here Hayes. This stylish, residential development has 119 one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The building also includes restaurants, leisure facilities and a music venue. Hayes & Harlington station is just a quarter of a mile away, while the M4, M25 and Heathrow Airport are all easily accessible.
4.69 (94 reviews)
4.69 (94 reviews)
Sailmakers is a Build-to-Rent scheme from Greystar, with 327 apartments. Located in the Harbour Central development on the Isle of Dogs, the building is within easy reach of the heart of Canary Wharf. Public transport is available via the nearby South Quay DLR and Canary Wharf’s DLR and Underground services. Residents enjoy fast and frequent connections to the likes of Bank and Monument. Reviewers highlight the excellent management team and the first-class service they provide.
4.69 (54 reviews)
4.69 (54 reviews)
Rising 37 storeys above Canary Wharf’s new Wood Wharf district, 10 George Street is number four in London’s top rental buildings for 1 bed flats. The development has 327 apartments overlooking waterside gardens and boardwalks below. Residents have exclusive access to ‘Club Vertus’. This includes access to a 24/7 gym studio, self-service bar, private dining room and lounge. Residents praise the stylish design and the excellent facilities and services, which include a 24-hour concierge.
4.68 (97 reviews)
4.68 (97 reviews)
Vantage Point is north London’s best-rated rental building. It has 118 apartments ranging from studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. All Vantage Point residents get access to a range of services and amenities. These include a 24-hour on-site management team, a communal roof terrace, games room and exercise room. The development is located in a highly desirable position above Archway underground station. Popular Highgate Village and the green open spaces of Hampstead Heath are within easy reach.
4.57 (57 reviews)
4.57 (57 reviews)
Harrow’s Bradstowe House is conveniently located close to Harrow on the Hill train station. The development includes one and two-bedroom apartments and a number of penthouses, all of which are available as rental-only. Residents of Bradstowe House have access to an on-site gym, lounge and 24hr concierge. Reviews highlight the excellent staff, superb location and spacious accommodation.
4.59 (86 reviews)
4.59 (86 reviews)
Elephant Central is located in the heart of London’s Elephant and Castle. Situated within London’s zone 1, the City is within walking distance. London Bridge, Borough Market and the cultural attractions of the South Bank are all nearby. The development offers a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses, which are available fully furnished. Residents praise the spacious, attractive accommodation and superb location. Elephant & Castle mainline and underground stations are both within a quarter of a mile.
4.40 (310 reviews)
4.40 (310 reviews)
In eighth place for 1-bed flats in London, is Fizzy Lewisham. This modern development has one and two-bedroom flats for rental, that are pet-friendly, and come with free award-winning broadband internet. Residents praise the prime location, which is close to Lewisham mainline station. There are fast and regular connections to central London, with London Bridge less than 10-minutes away.
4.68 (79 reviews)
4.68 (79 reviews)
Dressage Court has 104 rental-only one, two and three-bedroom apartments. This stylish development by Essential Living is located in the heart of vibrant Bethnal Green. It offers easy access to Bethnal Green’s tube and rail stations, with views towards the City and Canary Wharf. In addition, residents can access a 24-hour on-site management team along with shared spaces that are free for all residents to enjoy.
4.45 (190 reviews)
4.45 (190 reviews)
Rounding off the top 10 is Fizzy Hayes, a residential development of one, two and three-bedroom rental apartments from developer Fizzy Living. It’s in south Hayes, right near the town centre and Hayes & Harlington Station, and just a short drive from London Heathrow Airport. The development sits between two popular local green spaces – Minet Country Park and Lake Farm Country Park.
If you’re looking to move to London and are wondering which areas to consider, head to our dedicated area guides. Each guide has information about living in the area, along with details of the best new developments for renters.
Find the area guides by visiting our homepage, scrolling down to the ‘Explore by area’ section and selecting ‘Greater London’. From there, you can find out more about life in each of London’s distinctive areas.
HomeViews provides verified resident reviews of the UK’s housing developments. We’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to recognise high performers and help improve standards in the built environment.
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