Avoiding the scammers

The Rental Market is at its hottest!

Meaning: increased desperation, demand & more scams

London is one of the most competitive rental markets in the world. With the slow down in the housing market the increase in demand for rental property is at its highest level in years.

Fraudulent Listings

Imagine browsing rental offers and coming across a flat that looks and sounds just perfect! One too good to be true. Well.. it probably isn’t.

Fake listings can be as real as legitimate housing. That’s because scammers publish misleading offers by copying.. real listings. Surprise, surprise!

Fraudsters just change the contact information, add more appealing details, and lower the price to paint a dream spot that would lure a victim.

Signs to look out for, to identify & avoid a housing scam:

Missing key components in the ad, such as the full address, photos, history.
Weird bonuses, such as free moving boxes, packing help, free relocation services, or anything that’s too good to be true.
A cheap price. It’s a good idea to do some research on market prices in the same area for comparison to determine if the listing price is actually fake or you’re just after property in one of the cheapest areas in London.
No background or credit checks included in the ad. Scammers skip this when creating the listing so they attract the attention of more prospective renters, even those with a smaller credit score or someone with a criminal background.
A landlord refusing to show you the place. Often, their excuses are that they are out of town or dealing with a family emergency. It is also a red flag when they don’t agree, even to a virtual property tour.
A landlord demanding for you to pay the deposit immediately without papers for chores like end of tenancy cleaning. They will explain that there is high interest in the unit and that you will need to put in your down payment as soon as possible to reserve the place. Never give money to a landlord unless they show you the place and you have a legitimate contract.

Think about where you need to go.

Living somewhere that is a convenient commute can make a HUGE difference in London life. During peak travel hours, public transportation is extremely crowded. Living somewhere in London that is a convenient commute to work or school can make a big difference.

Decide what you want in your neighbourhood.

The best places to live in London vary a lot for different people. Some people are die hard park lovers. Others love being close to bars. Others want to have farmers markets. Knowing what makes a good neighbourhood for you is essential for your property search.

Popular premium areas

North London:
Camden
Primrose Hill
Islington
Highgate
Marylebone

South London:
Clapham

Putney

Barnes

Richmond
Battersea
Brixton
Crystal Palace
Herne Hill

Forest Hill

East London:
Shoreditch
Bethnal Green
Hackney
Stratford
Mile End

West London:
Kensington
Shepard’s Bush

Ealing

Twickenham

Barnes
Hammersmith
Fulham
Notting Hill

If you find a place you like, move fast!

High demand means you need to make a quick decision to get a good place. If you like a place, chances are someone else will like it too. Be ready to place a holding deposit within a few hours of your visit because the best places can easily go on the market in the morning and be gone by the afternoon. The holding deposit is typically the first month of rent in advance so make sure you have that money saved upfront.

Don’t give up hope when searching for your new home, its a learning experience for everyone!

Determine what you can afford.

Living within your own means can make a big difference in finding the best place to live in London for YOU. Zone 1 might not be a very good place to live if you cannot afford anything other than your flat. A huge part of finding the best place to live is finding a place that fits your budget.

Finding your first London home

One of the key things you need to have is a credit rating and a bank account. If you are still in Canada and don't have a UK bank account. Speak to our team at HSBC Expat and be ready when you arrive. If you are relocating and need help and advice visit our relocation checklist.

London has 32 local authorities each have their own council tax and the rates vary So it's worth researching all the baseline costs. Be prepared to pay 6 months up front if you do not have a UK credit rating.

UK Gov how to rent guide

The market moves very quickly and is expensive in comparison to the rest of the UK. Flats you visit are often already leased within the day, so you have to be quick.

Large flat and house hunting sites are great to find areas that fit your price range. Setting up alerts in areas that you want to live, can let you know as soon as property comes on the market. If you’ve narrowed down what neighbourhood you want to live in, contact estate and letting agents in that area. Neighbourhood agents know as soon as properties hit the market. They can connect you with exactly the type of property you are looking for before it’s even listed online.

Top sites to search for Properties:

Rightmove.co.uk

Spareroom.co.uk

Openrent.co.uk - Private landlords

Zoopla

Gumtree.co.uk

Hackney Wick Spaces

Pet Friendly Rentals.

Pet related tips

Transporting Your Pet.

In the UK it is rare to have bills included with a property rental.

If you are renting a room, beware of any sublets, we strongly advise against this, as your deposit will not be protected, and you may have no rights whatsoever should the main tenant be evicted.

If you are renting a flat, it will likely be owned by a private landlord and rented either directly or via a local agent. Agents are not permitted to charge tenants any fees, your deposit must be registered in a deposit protection scheme and you will be given a certificate.

🔎 Quick Summary: Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments are fully furnished, self-contained homes available for flexible stays.
Rent for days weeks or months with reflective rates
More space and comfort than hotels, with utilities, Wi-Fi, and furnishings included
No long-term commitment or credit checks like with estate agents
For many Canadians new to London, they provide an easy and stress-free place to live while getting settled.

🏠 Serviced Apartments: A Flexible Option for Canadians New to London

For many Canadians arriving in London, securing a traditional rental straight away can be difficult. The rental market moves quickly, landlords often require UK credit history and references, and most leases come with long minimum commitments. In this situation, serviced apartments can offer a practical and low-stress alternative — either as a temporary base or, in some cases, a longer-term living solution.

A Practical First Step in London

For many Canadians, a serviced apartment can act as a bridge between arrival and long-term renting. It offers flexibility, comfort, and predictability while you learn how the London rental market works, build UK references, and decide where you want to live permanently.

What Is a Serviced Apartment?

A serviced apartment is a fully furnished, self-contained home that offers more space and independence than a hotel, without the long-term commitment of a standard rental. Stays are typically flexible, ranging from a few weeks to several months.

Most serviced apartments include:

A private bedroom, bathroom, living space, and full kitchen
Furniture, linens, cookware, and essential household items
Wi-Fi and utilities included in a single, predictable price
Regular cleaning or housekeeping services
On-site management or guest support -This allows new arrivals to settle in immediately without needing to purchase furniture, set up utility accounts, or commit to a long lease.

How Serviced Apartments Compare to Renting

Traditional rentals in London often require:

6–12 month minimum leases
UK credit checks or a guarantor
Significant upfront payments if you are new to the UK
In-person viewings and a competitive application process

Serviced apartments, by comparison:

Offer shorter and more flexible stay options
Usually do not require UK credit history
Include utilities and internet in the overall cost
Can often be arranged before arriving in the UK - For many Canadians, this flexibility makes serviced apartments a useful option while getting established in London.

Who Are Serviced Apartments Best For?

Serviced apartments are commonly used by:

Canadians relocating to London for work or study
Families arriving together and needing more space
Professionals on fixed-term or project-based contracts
New arrivals who want time to explore neighbourhoods before committing to a lease
Visitors planning extended stays rather than short holidays - They provide a more comfortable experience than hotels for longer stays, with the ability to cook, work, and live day-to-day.

Thinking of bringing your pet?

If you are thinking about bringing a pet from Canada, here's our tips section to help you.

You should also remember that property tours tend to be during traditional working hours and letting agents will not do a tour later than 6:30. Be sure to let your work know you’ll need to leave early/arrive late while completing your property hunt.

Walk around the areas you’re interested in and look for “To let” signs

It may seem counter-intuitive but this can be a great way to find properties that are not listed online. It’s also wise to check newspaper classified ads and don’t shy away from ads written in all caps.

It could be that the landlord has a great property but is slightly older and not used to listing their property online. Some of the best flats to rent in London can be found this way.