Living in London is the dream; you'll never run out of things to do here. However, the rental prices in London can be a hurdle. A little creativity and some local expertise can help.
These 10 places are the cheapest areas to rent in 2022, according to insight by our own data team, Foxtons Business Analytics. There are some themes here. You'll see some regeneration projects and many boroughs that are further out, but with good transport links. Sometimes, it can be beneficial to think outside your target neighbourhood, and find where London's well-connected transport can help you out.
There is a shortage of rental properties coming to the market right now, so if you need more help finding your ideal let, read Moving London: let's find you a rental or get in touch with our lettings agents.
Take a look at the London and Home Counties market trends to keep up to date on cheap flats to rent in London.
10. Ealing
DSC_5226 by Ben Sutherland / CC BY / Flickr
Average rent: £1,759 per month / £406 per week
A highly desirable area in central London, Ealing has the perfect blend of residential, retail, schools and entertainment you’d expect in the suburbs, but with the transport links and plentiful choice in where to shop, eat and relax that you can expect from the city.
9. Greenwich
Average rent: £1,674 per month / £386 per week
One of London’s great historic areas for maritime and scientific advances, Greenwich now has a laid back, charming atmosphere with plenty of green spaces to unwind from the bustle of city life. There are plenty of quirky independent restaurants and bars, and so many dog-friendly businesses.
8. Lewisham
Model Market — Lewisham's finest by Bex Walton / CC BY / Flickr
Average rent: £1,660 per month / £383 per week
Before we get into a lot of suburban areas, it’s good to get more of a London city vibe with an affordable Zone 2 borough. Lewisham is a good base for food and shopping, with an indoor shopping centre and an open air street market. Developers have singled out Lewisham for its excellent transport links, so there are more and more new homes here, too.
7. Sutton
YY64 TXE (Route S3) at Beeches Avenue, Carshalton Beeches by Matt Davis / CC BY / Flickr
Average rent: £1,622 per month / £374 per week
A haven for leafy green spaces on the edge of London, with great grammar schools for families and plenty of shopping. Letting here is popular with families, but new developments are increasing Sutton’s popularity with professionals too.
6. Enfield
Average rent: £1,619 per month / £374 per week
A north London borough with a quieter, small town feel and plenty of history to explore. Great for Edwardian and Victorian houses and underground stations service on the Piccadilly line. Edmonton has a bit of a reputation, but a major regeneration project should bring thousands of new homes and jobs to the area.
5. Harrow
Harrow on the Hill by Herry Lawford / CC BY / Flickr
Average rent: £1,612 per month / £372 per week
From charming Harrow on the Hill to the bustling town centre, the gorgeous architecture and impressive reputation makes this borough the suburban living ideal. It’s a great choice for growing families; with lovely green spaces and one of the best schools in the country.
4. Hillingdon
The pump in Ickenham by Justin Otto / CC BY / Flickr
Average rent: £1,586 per month / £366 per week
A large borough on the western edge of the tube map, Hillingdon includes plenty of areas with charming village vibes, like Ruislip, Northwood and Ickenham. It also has Heathrow Airport, so residents have easier access to enviable weekend adventures.
3. Bromley
North Downs, Kent, England by Dimitry B. / CC BY / Flickr
Average rent: £1572 per month / £363 per week
The largest London borough by area, Bromley has plenty of room for the many parks, green spaces, sizable homes and great schools it contains. It is now, as it has been for decades, a magnet for young families.
2. Barking and Dagenham
Barking Station by Hugh Llewelyn / CC BY-SA / Flickr
Average rent: £1,548 per month / £357 per week
From Barking Abbey to a pivotal fishing port, and then to the automotive industry, Barking and Dagenham have reinvented and returned again and again. Currently, the area needs some TLC, but the area has merits. Affordable housing, a young and multicultural community, fantastic transport links (District and Hammersmith & City), and big plans for the future all give this borough potential. Barking and Dagenham are in the midst of a regeneration programme for new homes, jobs, parks and well-connected neighbourhoods to enhance the community appeal.
1. Croydon
Tracks by Geoff Henson / CC BY-ND / Flickr
Average rent: £1,526.12 per month / £352 per week
Savvy renters have their eye on Croydon – this area is on the rise. Croydon has been making great progress with a regeneration plan, which has sparked many enticing opportunities for renters to think about. Croydon is particularly fantastic for transport – there’s a new modern tram system, and plenty of trains bring you quickly to London's city centre (From East Croydon Station, it takes 17 minutes to get to Victoria and 14 minutes to London Bridge Station). The bustling streets are lined with skyscrapers, finance firms, and one of the largest commercial districts in Greater London.
Remember, if you need more help finding a rental, read Moving London: let's find you a rental or get in touch with our lettings agents. We also have a range of short term rentals available on the market.
