UK House Rental Tips for New Arrivals

Yuna Kanai
Aug 2, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Aug 12, 2025

In 2024, my family and I moved from Japan to the Southern England and began life in a rental home. Here’s how we found our footing and settled in.

📍 Step One: Narrow Down Your Area and Postcode

The first step is to decide where you want to live. In the UK, each postcode reflects a distinct neighborhood vibe and price point, so having a shortlist of target areas makes searching much more efficient.

🔍 Use Property Portals Like Rightmove or Zoopla

For property hunting, Rightmove and Zoopla are your go-to platforms. If you find a property you like, calling the agent is often quicker than emailing—responses tend to come faster over the phone.

🛏️ Temporary Accommodation Before Signing a Rental Contract

If you prefer to view a property in person before signing a rental agreement, you'll need short-term accommodation after arriving in the UK. That said, many people choose to finalize their rental contract before arriving by doing an online viewing. This allows them to tour the property remotely from and move into their new home immediately upon arrival. For those who want to view the property on-site first, here are some common short-term options:

Airbnb: Widely used by newcomers for its flexibility and location variety.
Serviced Apartment: I personally stayed in a serviced apartment for one month. These accommodations come furnished and equipped with appliances.

🧾 Register With an Estate Agent

Before booking a house viewing, you might need to visit the estate agent in person to register. Once registered, communication becomes smoother and you’re officially in their system.

👀 Properties Go Fast—Book Viewings ASAP

Even if a property appears available online, it might already be taken. If you see something you like, book a house viewing immediately. It’s not uncommon for agents to ask for a holding deposit right after viewing if you're interested.

Because landlords tend to have more leverage in the UK, especially in areas with limited supply, competition among tenants can be intense.

💸 Paying 12 Months Upfront Is Common—but Negotiable

One of the biggest surprises: many landlords ask for 12 months’ rent upfront, particularly if you're new to the country and don’t yet have a UK credit history. That said, you may be able to negotiate for monthly payments, depending on your situation and the landlord’s flexibility.

📦 Signing the Contract & Organizing Your Move

Once your offer is accepted: