One of the very first things that will be at the top of your to-do list before you move to England is finding a suitable place for you and your family to live. The country offers several housing options to suit various needs, budgets and personal preferences. With this guide, we aim to help you better understand what to expect in your search for accommodation - and ultimately, your new home - in England.
How to choose the ideal place to live in England
Deciding where you and your family would like to live in England will be influenced by several factors: your transport options, whether you can drive, your place of work, school and/or nursery options, local amenities and more.
In major cities like London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool, many housing options, job opportunities and a vibrant lifestyle exist for expats. However, these areas come with significantly higher costs.
If you prefer the feel of smaller towns or villages in England, these are generally friendlier communities and more affordable, even though professional opportunities might be limited.
These areas tend to be quieter and offer an excellent quality of life, so it's no surprise that following a shift to hybrid and remote working, demand has increased in previously affordable rural areas. With that said, do expect some competition even in smaller towns.
Good to know:
When you first arrive in the UK and are unsure where you want to settle, it is a good idea to use short-term renting websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com before you commit to longer-term accommodation.
Types of accommodation in England
You will find different types of accommodation in England, including:
- Detached and semi-detached houses: are popular in suburbs and smaller towns;
- Terraced houses: are common in cities, towns and historic areas;
- Maisonettes: are multi-level flats, often with private entrances;
- Duplexes: are multi-level apartments within a larger building (with a shared entrance);
- Apartments/flats: these are most commonly found in city centers, but may also be found in towns;
- Bungalows: single-level houses, popular with older residents;
- Studio flats or bedsits: one-room apartments that are increasingly rare due to space standards;
- Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA): modern developments for students and young professionals;
- Co-living spaces: shared living arrangements with private bedrooms but communal areas.
It is usually easier to find apartments and studios in large cities. However, the further from the centre you move, the more likely you are to find houses and bungalows within your budget. In some areas, buying property might be more cost-effective than renting long-term, especially outside major urban centers.
Good to know:
When renting property in England, you can choose between furnished and unfurnished options. Students and expats generally opt for furnished accommodation to avoid the expense and hassle of buying furniture. However, furnished rentals typically cost 10-20% more than unfurnished properties.
Current housing costs in England
As of 2025, England remains home to some of the world's most expensive rental markets, with average rents reaching £1,386 per month nationally. Generally, the further north you move in England, the lower the rent prices—though this gap has narrowed in recent years.
To break it down for you:
- The average rent in England is £1,386 per month.
- London rents are significantly higher, with rental inflation at 11%.
- Outside London, the country's average is around £1,140 per month.
- Northern England is generally 20 to 40% cheaper than the South.
Want to purchase a property instead? Here are some quick stats to consider:
- The average house price in England is currently £291,000.
- First-time buyers may find it difficult without large deposits (typically 10 to 20% minimum).
- Consider stamp duty costs for properties worth over £250,000.
Finding accommodation in England
Online resources
The internet remains the best place to start your house hunt in England. Current popular platforms include:
For property searching, consider the following:
- Rightmove.co.uk: the UK's largest property portal;
- Zoopla.co.uk: a comprehensive search with local area information;
- SpareRoom.co.uk: this is excellent for flatshares and room rentals;
- OpenRent.com: a direct landlord-to-tenant platform with lower fees;
- OnTheMarket.com: a growing platform with competitive listings.
For short-term and flexible options, consider:
- Airbnb: Short-term rentals (1 week to several months);
- Booking.com: Hotels and serviced apartments;
- Corporate housing providers for business relocations;
- Co-living platforms like The Collective.
Using an estate agent
Working with a real estate agency remains one of the safest ways of renting (or buying) property in England, as they must follow strict regulations protecting tenants. However, expect higher fees.
Real estate agents have access to extensive databases across the country and can offer valuable local market knowledge. Many now provide virtual viewings and digital application processes, which have become standard over recent years.
Important:
England's housing market moves quickly, particularly in competitive areas. Properties can be let within days of listing, so be prepared to make decisions rapidly.
Legal considerations when renting accommodation in England
Before you move forward with renting in England, it's a good idea to make sure that fees (like your deposit, admin fees and any other day-to-day expenses) are discussed with your landlord or estate agent early. Very often, these are not explained properly in the property documents.
The required documents you'll typically need for your application include:
- A valid passport and visa documentation;
- Proof of income (three to six months of payslips or an employment contract);
- Bank statements (three months);
- Previous landlord references (if applicable);
- Guarantor information (often required for international applicants);
- Right to Rent documentation (mandatory for all tenants).
As we've mentioned, your security deposit will be needed upfront, and this is typically one to six weeks' rent (although this is legally capped at five weeks for most tenancies in England). What's more, your new landlord must protect your deposit in government-approved schemes. Your estate agent should be able to help you with ensuring this happens. You'll also need to pay your first month's rent in advance.
Now, in terms of your legal rights as a tenant in England, there are certain things you must know - including your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in England.
In short, these are:
- The right to live in a property that's safe and in a good state of repair;
- Protection from unfair eviction;
- The right to have your deposit protected;
- Protection from discrimination;
- The right to request permission for pets (landlords cannot unreasonably refuse).
As well as those, newer regulations over recent years ensure that there are enhanced energy-efficient standards for rental properties in England. There are also stricter licensing requirements for landlords in many areas, and Digital Right to Rent checks are now available.
Important:
Always read your tenancy agreements carefully. Most are Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) with initial terms of 6 to 12 months. So, be aware of break clauses and notice periods if you wish to stay longer.
Useful links:
Citizens Advice for free advice on housing rights
Top tips for choosing accommodation in England
Before arriving with your family, it's a good idea to begin your search one to two months before your move date. An easy way to do this is by setting up property alerts on multiple websites - you'll receive a notification or email when properties that match your criteria become available in your desired area(s).
To make your relocation a little easier, it's worth considering temporary accommodation for your first few weeks until you find something more long-term.
Once in England, book viewings quickly as popular properties disappear fast. Prepare all your documentation in advance, and for better value, consider properties slightly outside your target area.
And remember to factor in additional costs that may come with living in your chosen property, including council tax, utilities, internet, and even your TV license.
Red flags to avoid
In no circumstances should anyone ever request money before viewing a property or signing a contract.
Properties listed as significantly below market rate are potentially a scam - by going through a trusted estate agent, you should avoid this happening to you.
If a landlord is unwilling to provide proper documentation, avoid. And properties without the correct safety certificates are worth steering clear of.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
