As one of the most economically wealthy cities in the world, and the capital city of England, London is a bustling hub of activity and fortune.
Many in business flock to the capital to build their dream career, but with housing at a premium, it can be hard to find your dream house within your budget.
Here are a few tricks to help you afford to work in London without emptying your pockets on the house prices.
1. Win a house in a competition
By winning your dream house in a competition, you can afford to live right at the centre of all the action in London.
Companies like Raffle House offer the chance to win your dream £2 million house in your ideal location, so you can focus on building your home from the ground up or furnishing your existing home with some brand new furniture – the choice is yours!
2. Make the most of the travel network
The towns and cities surrounding London have incredibly good travel networks to the capital, with trains and buses running regularly as part of the Transport for London network. With the ULEZ zone in effect in certain areas of London, using public transport can work favourably for your wallet.
Whether you take the London Underground, red buses, or the Overground, using an Oyster card or contactless debit card will only charge you a capped rate for a day’s worth of spending.
Alternatively, you could live even further afield and still reap the rewards of living on the public transport links to London.
Towns like Market Harborough are an hour away on the direct train line to London, with many valuing the leafy suburbs and quaint houses over the hustle and bustle of the city, and can easily live the best of both worlds so close to the capital city.
3. Consider shared accommodation
If you’re just starting out in London, you might want to consider staying in shared accommodation whilst you find your feet.
Many old factories and warehouses have been converted into flats and rooms to let, with communal kitchens and bathrooms. These are often competitively priced, and perfect for students, tourists and young professionals. There’s also an opportunity to share bills, and some communal living situations even split the cost of food, further driving down your living expenses.
If you’re currently in between jobs, staying in low budget accommodation will allow you to find freelance work to boost your income.
You can use recruitment sites like Indeed to find temporary freelance work quickly and easily without hassle. Simply upload your CV and build a profile, and employers can even browse your profile and cherry pick you for roles in their business.
Do you have any tips for working and living in London? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
