London has the reputation of being a ridiculously expensive place to live. There is even a joke that anyone living in the capital is obsessed with property prices. However, suburban areas like Bexley and Barking and Dagenham offer affordable house prices, attracting individuals and families with their appealing balance between reasonable housing costs and accessibility to London. The average house price in each London borough, highlighting their unique characteristics and appeal, can provide a clearer picture of affordability for potential homebuyers and renters. For those hunting down affordable rental options, London offers hidden gems if you know where to look! There are many great and still affordable places in London for you to choose from.
Recent data on the London housing market
London’s ongoing housing market trends reveal that average house prices in the city have slightly decreased by 2.1% over the past year (2024), according to recent data from Zoopla. However, prices remain high, with the average London home costing £526,842 as of late 2024. For renters, the average monthly rent across Greater London is now approximately £2,054, showcasing the need to explore budget-friendly areas.
Some of the cheapest places to live in London offer lower rental and property prices while maintaining good accessibility and quality of life. Affordable boroughs like these often offer not just proximity to the city center but a sense of community that can be rare in London’s busier spots. Once you have laid an eye on a district, finding a good property and a man and van London contractor to move your stuff is easy. So just start looking.
Acton
Acton is a west London district that should be the first place to consider. It is just 25 minutes away on the Tube from Central London and boasts excellent transport links, enhancing its accessibility. Acton also appeals to young professionals due to its vibrant community and convenient commutes. While west London is known for pricier spots, Acton stands out as an affordable yet lively neighborhood for those looking to live near central London. Additionally, Acton’s proximity to Heathrow Airport makes it an attractive option for frequent travelers and professionals working in the region.
Anerley
Located on the border between Croydon and Bromley, Anerley has everything south east London is famous for – classical suburban character, great transport links and nearby commercial areas. The well balanced property prices here are just another plus, with rental prices remaining relatively affordable compared to other parts of London. For families or anyone craving quieter living with easy access to the city, Anerley offers a refreshing escape from city center rush. Anerley also boasts a diverse community, enriched by a mix of cultures and backgrounds, which enhances local amenities, culinary options, and cultural events. Anerley’s good transport links to London Victoria make it appealing for families and commuters seeking convenience and accessibility to central London.
Catford, South London
Catford is the place to move into if you want to stay close to Central London but still are not ready to pay a small fortune for a flat in the trendy districts on the bank of the Thames. With an average rent for one-bedroom apartments being quite affordable, Catford offers a budget-friendly option for renters.
Nestled between trendier hotspots, Catford is an up-and-coming area that’s both budget-friendly and well-connected. It will take you just 20 minutes to get from Catford to Charing Cross so we think that you will not have a problem with the commute, nor with the local community which is particularly nice. Additionally, quick connections to London Bridge make Catford appealing for families and young professionals seeking a balance between space and access to the city. Catford boasts excellent transport links, enhancing its appeal for both residents and professionals needing convenient commutes.
Charlton
Charlton, like most places in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, has extensive green spaces that add up to the comfort and overall beauty of the place. Charlton also boasts a diverse community, enriched by a mix of cultures and backgrounds, which enhances local amenities, culinary options, and cultural events. It is a healthy environment for raising kids or just escaping the stress of everyday life in a huge metropolis like London. Its balance of affordability and quality of life makes Charlton a go-to for those seeking affordable living with family-friendly perks.
Enfield, North London
Enfield is known for being the first place in the world to have an ATM machine in front of the bank, but today it is much more popular with its pretty affordable house prices. Located in North London, Enfield provides a cheaper alternative without losing good transport connections. It may be relatively away from central London, but travel is accommodated by buses, trains and subway links, so it is not such a great problem. Enfield also boasts excellent transport links, providing easy access to central locations and making it attractive for both residents and professionals.
Forest Hill, South East London
Forest Hill is a nearly village-like suburban settlement in South London. As you can imagine, it is a pretty isolated place that used to have many problems with crime rates, but in recent years things have settled down. You can settle down in Forest Hill also, especially bearing in mind the average house price of an apartment here being around 255,000 GBP. It’s one of those spots that, despite its initial quietness, has a rich history and quirky vibe. Additionally, Forest Hill boasts a diverse community, enriched by a mix of cultures and backgrounds, which enhances local amenities, culinary options, and cultural events.
Perivale
Perivale is a small suburb in Ealing known for being featured in Anthony Trollope’s novel The Belton Estate and on a number of episodes of Doctor Who. Also, for being an affordable place to live if you like West London, with rent prices lower than many other areas. Additionally, Perivale boasts excellent transport links, providing easy access to central locations, making it attractive for both residents and professionals.
Southgate, North London
Southgate is actually in North London, but in the borough of Enfield. It is a cosmopolitan district with a diverse community and an extensive shopping area, which only add up to the attractiveness of the place. Southgate also boasts excellent transport links, providing easy access to central locations and making it an ideal choice for both residents and professionals. Just a short trip from the city center, Southgate gives you proximity to central London with lower house prices.
Woolwich and Plumstead
In addition to the areas already mentioned, consider Woolwich and Plumstead in Southeast London for affordability. Woolwich is undergoing regeneration, making it an excellent option for those seeking value in an emerging hotspot. Similarly, Plumstead offers relatively low rental prices while maintaining good connectivity via Thameslink and Southeastern trains, making commutes to the city center manageable.