Cribs Estates Ltd
Phone
WhatsApp
Back to the blogs list

Finding Your Place in London: Overcoming Rental Affordability Challenges

Sales Buyers
Posted in   May 21 , 2024
Overcoming Rental Affordability Challenges

Are you feeling anxious when it comes to finding an affordable place to rent in London? You're not alone. The rental market in this vibrant city can be challenging to crack, with prices soaring and options seeming inadequate. But fear not because we're here to guide you through the affordability challenges and help you find your perfect London house without breaking the bank.

Why is it so hard to find affordable rentals in London?

London's rental market is known for its high demand and limited supply. With millions of people coming to the city for work, study, and play, competition for rental properties is fierce. This high demand drives prices up, making it difficult for many people to find affordable accommodation.

Additionally, the cost of living in London is higher than in many other parts of the UK, which means landlords often charge higher rents to cover their expenses. This further exacerbates the affordability challenge for renters, especially those on lower incomes.

3c77e1b104f10bc50d9dfc4937d5b18c.jpg

What factors contribute to high rental prices?

Several factors contribute to the high rental prices in London. Some of these are listed below:

  • Firstly, the city's status as a global financial and cultural hub attracts people from all over the world, increasing the demand for housing. This demand exceeds the available supply, driving prices upwards.

  • Secondly, property prices in London are among the highest in the UK, which means landlords need to charge higher rents to cover their mortgage payments and other expenses.

  • Thirdly, the cost of living in London is generally higher than in other parts of the country, with expenses such as transport, food, and entertainment adding to the overall cost of renting.

  • Finally, government policies such as the lack of rent controls and restrictions on new housing developments can also contribute to higher rental prices by limiting supply and allowing landlords to charge more.


Read More: how much is my house worth

How can renters overcome affordability challenges?

While the London rental market may seem complicated, there are several strategies renters can employ to overcome affordability challenges and find a suitable place to live:

99c49ccb2a4bdc94f10f1b3340afcfd4.jpg

Expand your search

Consider looking beyond the most central and popular areas of London. Neighbourhoods further from the city centre often offer lower rents without sacrificing amenities or transportation options.

Consider house sharing

Sharing a house or flat with roommates can significantly reduce your rental expenses. Many websites and apps facilitate house-sharing arrangements, making it easier than ever to find compatible housemates.

Negotiate with landlords

Don't be afraid to negotiate with landlords, especially if you have good references or are willing to sign a longer lease. Landlords may be open to lowering the rent or offering other incentives to secure a reliable tenant.

Explore affordable housing schemes

Look into affordable housing schemes offered by the government or housing associations. These programs provide subsidised rental accommodation to eligible individuals and families, helping to make living in London more affordable.

Consider alternative housing options

Think outside the box when it comes to housing. Consider options such as houseboats, co-living spaces, or converted warehouses, which may offer more affordable rental rates compared to traditional apartments or houses.


Read More: house renovation in London


aa1e7860dcee24bebaffd44706504f98.pngStay informed

Keep a close eye on the rental market and be ready to act quickly when you find a suitable property. Prices and availability can change rapidly, so being proactive and staying informed will give you an edge in your search.

By employing these strategies and staying persistent, you can overcome the affordability challenges in London's rental market and find a place to call home without breaking the bank.

Choose Cribs Estates

Looking for your next rental in London? Contact Cribs Estates today at info@cribsestates.co.uk or call +44 2034 4115 71 to speak with one of our friendly agents who can help you find the perfect property within your budget. Don't let affordability challenges hold you back – let Cribs Estates help you find your dream rental in the heart of London!

Shared on social media

Comments


Latest Blogs

Letting Agent Fees for Landlords Explained Simply

Letting fees can quickly become complicated if the percentages and a few extras do not match up exactly. For landlords living in the UK, this guide is a breakdown for both parties, so everyone knows what they are paying for. Let’s start by looking at what is working in the market and how you can keep more rent for yourself whilst staying as per UK rules. What are you actually paying for?Letting fees that landlords pay to agents are to find out the tenants or manage the tenancy. Following the Tenant Fees Act 2019, most fees to tenants were banned in England, leaving the bulk of charges to be borne by the landlord. The three common service levels 1) Tenant-findingThe agent markets the property, handles enquiries and viewings, references tenants, completes Right to Rent checks, prepares the tenancy agreement, takes the first rent and deposit, and hands over keys. Ongoing management is over to you. Right to Rent checks are a legal must, with updated Home Office guidance in 2025.2) Rent CollectionEverything in Let Only, plus the agent collects monthly rent, chases arrears, and produces statements. You still manage repairs.3) Fully ManagedThe agents are responsible for complete management, including maintenance coordination, compliance scheduling (gas safety, EICR, EPC), inspections, renewals, deposit dispute handling, and serving notices where required. The average fee for this service in the UK is around 10–15% of monthly rent (before VAT), depending on location and complexity. What influences the fee?There are multiple factors, including:Prime London and HMOs usually cost more to manage.HMOs/room-lets involve more tenants, bills, and safety checks.Photos, floor plans, portal coverage, inspections, out-of-hours, deposit dispute handling, and compliance reminders all add up to more fees.Inventory, check-in/out, legal notices, and certificate costs also add up. How do agents calculate fees?Agents can either charge a percentage of rent or a fixed fee. Market norms for fully managed services typically range from 10–15% plus VAT. To better understand this calculation, here’s an example using a London rent:Monthly rent: £1,800Fully managed fee at 12% = £216VAT at 20% = £43.20Total monthly fee = £259.20Annual cost = £3,110.40If you chose a let-only service at 7% of the first year’s rent on the same property:Annual rent: £21,6007% fee = £1,512VAT = £302.40One-off total = £1,814.40The legal guardrails that affect feesTenant Fees Act 2019: bans most tenant charges and caps deposits; landlords should expect to bear the legitimate costs of letting.Right to Rent checks: Landlords (or their agents) must verify prospective tenants’ right to rent; guidance was updated in June–July 2025.How Cribs Estate is helping landlordsCribs Estate has been working locally in the UK for over a decade now, helping landlords with complete letting management. They have a clear and affordable fee structure with 3 tiers for the landlords:Let Only: 7% (plus VAT): marketing across major portals and social channels, professional photos/floor plan/virtual tour, viewings, referencing (via reputable agencies), Right to Rent, AST signing, first rent and deposit handling, and handover.Rent Collection: 9% (plus VAT): everything in Let Only plus monthly rent collection, arrears chasing, statements, and renewals.Fully Managed: 12% (plus VAT): all of the above plus repairs coordination, compliance scheduling (Gas Safety, EICR, EPC, PAT), periodic inspections (typically 6–12 months), deposit disputes, guidance on serving notices, and general legislative updates.Cribs also charges separately for other services, such as HMO licence application preparation, legal notices (Section 8/21), inventory check-in, and certificate costs, with a note that all fees are subject to 20% VAT. This lets you budget correctly and avoid surprises.Should landlords choose agents?Yes! As a landlord, it is mandatory these days to get agents to work for you, whilst you can focus on building your portfolio. Moreover, it helps with:Getting the marketing done in the right direction to minimise void times.Ensuring all properties comply with relevant regulations, including Gas, Safety, EICR, and EPC, to avoid any issues.Maintaining the property in the right way involves obtaining all necessary approvals, conducting inspections, generating reports, renewing licenses, and making deposits. Obtaining a tailored HMO management service that guarantees rent every month.Contact Cribs Estate to discuss a plan with affordable letting agent fees tailored to your property's needs. 

Read more

Landlord Rent Guarantee UK: How It Works

If you’re a landlord seeking predictable income with minimal late payments, voids, or daily management, a landlord rent guarantee can be a smart option. Most landlords in the UK are unfamiliar with the right approach or don’t believe they are qualified. However, if they want to understand the costs and which trade-offs truly matter, our team at Cribs Estate has researched to save you the effort. Let’s begin!What is a landlord rent guarantee?A landlord rent guarantee means you receive a fixed monthly rent for an agreed term (often 1–5 years), regardless of whether the property is empty or a tenant falls into arrears. Instead of relying on the tenant to pay you directly, you’re paid by the company operating the scheme (for example, Cribs Estate) under a contract. In most setups, the operator then handles tenant sourcing, day-to-day management, and compliance.This is different from rent guarantee insurance, which is a policy that covers missed rent from a specific tenant and usually requires you to manage the claim process. With a guarantee, you’re paid a fixed sum each month as per the contract, no claims and no chasing.How it works (step by step)Property assessment: We conduct a quick inspection to confirm the location, market rent, condition, and any necessary works to meet standards.Offer & terms: You receive a written offer with the monthly guaranteed rent, term length, break clauses, and responsibilities.Onboarding & compliance: Safety certificates (EPC, EICR, gas safety), licensing checks, and inventory are organised.Management & letting: We market and manage the tenancy (or use a company let/licence model).Monthly payments: You’re paid the agreed amount on the same date each month, even during voids.Ongoing care: Inspections, maintenance authorisations, renewals, and compliance are handled within agreed limits.End of term: Property is handed back in line with the contract, with any agreed-upon ending of the contract (if it happens).Common UK letting modelsAgency-managed guarantee: A letting/management firm guarantees the rent and handles everything end-to-end.Company let / master-lease: The agent becomes your tenant under a commercial agreement, then houses occupants under sub-tenancies or licences.Local authorities: Longer terms and reliable occupancy, often with specific property standards.Who qualifies (and property standards)Most houses and flats can qualify if they’re safe, legally compliant, and in lettable condition. Expect the following as baseline:Valid gas safety, EICR, working alarms, and EPC meeting current requirements.HMO, additional or selective licensing where applicable (we’ll advise what’s needed).Clean, sound décor, compliant kitchens/bathrooms, and no outstanding hazards.Reasonable access for inspections and upkeep.Costs, fees, and what you keepYou’ll usually earn slightly less than headline market rent in exchange for zero voids, no arrears risk, and complete management included. The simple way to view it:Open market: £1,800 pcm with a realistic one-month void per year, which means effective £1,650 pcm.A 10% management fee is deducted from the collected rent (£165), which is £1,485 pcm.Average remarketing/churn (£500 per year, which is £41.67 pcm), and makes the total £1,443 pcm net before maintenance.Guaranteed rent: e.g., £1,500 pcm paid every month, no voids, management included.Benefits of Landlord Rent GuaranteeCashflow stays steady whilst interest rates and bills may fluctuate.Payments arrive even if the property is empty.Handling marketing, viewings, referencing, renewals, inspections, etc.Guidance and admin for certificates and licensing.One payment date and one statement across multiple units.How Cribs Estate delivers guaranteed rent (and peace of mind)At Cribs Estate, our guarantee is built to be clear, fair, and easy to live with:Fixed monthly payments on a set date, no voids, no chasing.Complete management included: marketing, referencing, move-ins, renewals, inspections, and out-of-hours issues.Straightforward contracts with transparent responsibilities for both minor and major works, along with pre-agreed spend limits.We organise or remind you of EPC, EICR, gas safety, and licensing, and we keep an audit trail.Regular inspections, photographic reports, and end-of-term hand-back conditions.Single statements, KPIs, and a point of contact, ideal for UK-based landlords.FAQs about Landlord Rent Guarantee1. Will I lose control of the property?No. You remain the owner. Access, approvals for larger works, and hand-back standards are set out in the contract.2. Who pays for repairs?Minor day-to-day fixes are usually covered within agreed limits. Bigger works remain the landlord’s responsibility, just as they would under a normal tenancy, only now they’re managed for you and pre-approved.3. What about utilities and council tax?It depends on the model and whether it’s a single let or HMO. We spell out who pays what for your specific property so there are no surprises.Next stepsThinking about a guarantee for your property or portfolio? We’ll carry out a quick assessment, confirm compliance steps, and provide a no-obligation guaranteed rent offer with clear terms so that you can compare it to open-market management. Get in touch with Cribs Estate, and let’s see whether a landlord rent guarantee is the right fit for your goals.

Read more

Cribs Estates- The Best Landlord Services Near Me

Are you trying to get reliable local landlord services? Particularly when it comes to renters, rent, and maintenance, property management can be very stressful across the UK. However, Cribs Estates can assist you in a professional way.  To make property administration easy and stress-free, we offer reputable and competent landlord services. Our knowledgeable staff makes sure your home is in good hands by managing everyday problems and locating the ideal tenants. You can see how our landlord services can improve your investment returns and provide you with peace of mind by reading this short blog.Cribs Estates Services for LandlordsIn order to make property management easy, stress-free, and lucrative, Cribs Estates offers comprehensive landlord services. The main services we provide are listed in detail below:Sourcing TenantsOne of the most crucial aspects of property management is selecting the ideal tenant. We handle setting up viewings, promoting your property on reliable websites, and drawing in desirable tenants. Our objective is to ensure that your property is rented by responsible people while reducing vacancy times.Referencing TenantsWe thoroughly screen each potential tenant to provide you peace of mind. Credit checks, work references, background checks, and rental history reviews are all included in this. We make sure that only trustworthy tenants are accepted for your home through this procedure.Rent ReceivableTenants are guaranteed to pay on time each month thanks to our rent collection service. We manage the procedure safely and ensure that money reaches your account promptly, providing you with a consistent and reliable source of income.Maintenance of the PropertyWe handle everything, from minor fixes to more extensive maintenance duties. Our staff makes sure your property stays in top shape while maintaining tenant satisfaction, whether that means repairing a leaking tap, scheduling routine cleaning, or managing urgent repairs.Inspections of PropertiesTo assess the general condition of your property, we perform routine property inspections. This guarantees that tenants are taking care of the house and helps spot possible problems early. You are constantly informed about the condition of your property thanks to the thorough inspection reports you receive.Adherence to the LawIt can be quite difficult to stay on top of safety rules and property restrictions. Our staff ensures that your property satisfies all legal criteria, such as electrical certificates, fire safety regulations, and gas safety inspections. You and your tenants are both protected by this.Tenancy ContractsWe draft tenancy agreements that are legally valid and specify the obligations of the landlord and the tenant. These agreements are intended to safeguard your rights, lessen disagreements, and give everyone involved clarity.Why Choose Cribs Estates for Local Landlord Services?Choosing local landlord services can have a significant impact on property management. A local staff can react swiftly to any concerns that arise because they are familiar with the area and the rental market. Your property remains profitable, stress-free, and well-managed with the correct assistance.Cribs Estates feels that basic management is insufficient for landlords. Our strategy is based on dependability, professionalism, and openness. Cribs Estates is a reputable option when individuals look for landlord services near me because of this. We combine years of experience with local expertise to provide you with the best possible outcomes.Local expertise and knowledgeCustomised service plans to meet your requirementsFair and reasonably priced prices24/7 supportNice Customer ServiceProfessional online instructorsContact Cribs Estates Right NowAre you prepared to simplify and relieve the stress of property management? For dependable landlord services in your area, contact Cribs Estates right now. We are here to safeguard your investment and provide you with peace of mind with our local knowledge, customised packages, reasonable prices, and round-the-clock assistance.

Read more

Fully Managed Letting Service for Busy Landlords

As a landlord, if you are already juggling work, family, and properties, the last thing you would want is late-night calls about boilers not working. Apart from this, you may worry about whether your tenancy agreement meets the new standards. That’s where a fully managed letting service takes charge and comes to the rescue of landlords. This blog talks about what fully managed services cover and why they’re the wise choice for landlords. What “fully managed” really meansIt means that a reliable company will manage everything for you, including professional marketing, tenant background checking, collecting rents, setting up legal compliance reports, deposit protection, inspections, maintenance, renewals, and check-out. As a reliable partner, Cribs Estate assists UK landlords in maintaining compliance with statutory dates, including gas safety, electricity checks (EICR), EPC, and Right to Rent, while also managing local property trades to ensure readiness for any emergency. Why busy landlords choose fully managed lettingNo chasing contractors, no phone tag with tenants, no diary reminders for certificates.Issues get triaged and resolved; you approve costs above the agreed limits.Proper referencing, legal notices, and deposit protection reduce nasty surprises.Rent in, statements out, inspections logged, so you always know where you stand.Clear communication with tenants, which helps with renewals and reduces voids.How Cribs Estate does management in LondonWe have been operating locally in SW19 for the past decade, which is why we keep landlords in the loop about every move. Our experts conduct proactive compliance checks, oversee maintenance, and address any needs tenants may have before they settle in. We have a dedicated team available 24/7 for any urgency, so you don’t have to destroy your health and stay awake in the middle of the night to get things done. Another reason clients trust our services is the proper tracking of where the money is going. We ensure all the money is protected via UKALA CMP, as we are part of the approved Property Redress Scheme, and the deposits are registered with government-approved schemes, including DPS and mydeposits. This gives peace of mind to all tenants and works as a wonder for the landlords. What’s included vs what it costsCribs Estate offers clear plans so you can choose the level that fits your life:Let Only: marketing, viewings, referencing, and move-in.Rent Collection: as above, plus monthly collection and statements.Full Management: the above plus maintenance handling, scheduled inspections, renewals, compliance tracking, and deposit dispute support.As our landlord fees are published on the website, our structure lists Let Only (7%), Rent Collection (9%), and Full Management (12%) (plus VAT), with a transparent menu of extras for things like HMO licence applications, serving Section 21/8 notices, and safety certificates. You’ll see exactly what you’re paying for before you commit.Who gets the most value from fully managed?First-time or accidental landlords seeking a safe, compliant start without relying on Google.Time-poor professionals who’d rather keep weekends for family than fixes.Portfolio owners who seek consistent reporting and fewer moving parts.Overseas/expat landlords who need reliable eyes and ears on the ground, in the right time zone.HMO landlords seeking strict compliance and steady occupancy (Cribs is hands-on with licensing, safety, and tenant mix across South-West London).If you own (or plan to own) an HMOHMOs can boost yield, but they also require more work on the administrative side. We assist with obtaining the correct licence (mandatory/additional/selective, depending on the borough), installing the appropriate fire doors and alarms, monitoring safety testing, and maintaining rooms with an optimal tenant mix. We cover areas including Wimbledon, Colliers Wood, Tooting, Balham, Morden, Mitcham, and more. If you’re weighing up a conversion, we’ll give you straight-talking advice on feasibility and returns.The Cribs Estate letting journeyWe advise on rent, presentation, and any kind of work that will pay back.Professional photos and listings on our website and across major portals and social media platforms help attract more viewings.A proper system is in place for checks, deposits are taken and protected, the AST is signed, and keys are handed over.We collect rent, book inspections, handle maintenance, and renew certificates on time.We negotiate renewals or remarket faster than others to keep you on track.Is fully managed worth it?If your time is valuable, the answer is usually yes. Faster leases, better tenant retention, and fewer compliance missteps often offset the fee. And if you want belt-and-braces predictability, a rent guarantee can smooth the bumps. If you're looking for a fully managed letting service that’s easy to handle, offers a single point of contact for all your needs, and ensures proper compliance, we’d be delighted to assist you. Book a free valuation, or simply message us with what’s happening with your property, and we’ll take it from there.

Read more

Property search

Residential Lettings
Price
Min price
Max price
Number of Bedrooms
Min bedrooms
Max bedrooms
Find properties
x