London offers endless opportunities for international professionals and students. Whether you're moving for work, study, or simply seeking a new adventure, understanding how to navigate renting in London will set you up for success. This guide explores why more international renters are looking beyond central London zones to vibrant neighbourhoods like Wembley Park.
What do I need to know when moving to London?
Moving to London from abroad is an exciting step, but navigating the rental market as an international renter can feel overwhelming at first. London is a diverse and fast-paced city, and securing an apartment requires some preparation. With a variety of unique neighbourhoods to choose from, finding the right location is just as important as finding the right apartment.
How to choose the right area to live in London?
When choosing the right London neighbourhood, it's important to align your decision with your work location, social preferences, and budget considerations. You might dream of living in Central London and walking past Big Ben to get your groceries - but that comes at a premium price.
It's important to note that the city is divided into zones, with Zone 1 being the most central and expensive, extending outward to Zone 6. While many newcomers assume they must live in Zones 1 or 2 to access London's opportunities, this isn't the case. Approximately two-thirds of Londoners live outside of Zones 1 and 2, and for many residents, living outside the central zones strikes a better balance between cost, quality of life, and accessibility.
Take Wembley Park in Zone 4, for example—an area that offers excellent value for money along with fast transport connections, reaching central London in as little as 12 minutes. Well-connected outer areas often provide larger living spaces, more amenities, and a stronger sense of community, all without sacrificing convenience.
When choosing a neighbourhood, consider your daily routines when evaluating locations. If you work from home frequently, prioritise areas with good cafes and restaurants nearby, co-working spaces, and reliable internet infrastructure. For those commuting to central London, proximity to transport links is paramount.
Why choose Wembley Park?
Wembley Park stands out as a brilliant choice for international renters. Recently named “One of The Best Places to Live” in 2025 by The Sunday Times, this dynamic neighbourhood perfectly balances central London convenience with the space and amenities that transform daily life.
Transport Connections
The transport connections from Wembley Park set it apart from other London locations. Multiple tube lines serve the area, with the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines providing direct routes to key London destinations. The Chiltern Railway line from Wembley Stadium station gets you to Marylebone in just 12 minutes, placing you in central London faster than many inner-city locations. Baker Street is also easily accessible on the Metropolitan line. Whether you're discovering London's legendary pubs, attending West End shows, or simply exploring the city's world-renowned museums and galleries, Wembley Park places you in the perfect spot to enjoy it all.
Entertainment, Dining & Live Events
Living in Wembley Park means having world-class entertainment on your doorstep. Wembley Stadium has hosted legends from Freddie Mercury and Beyoncé, Elton John, and Taylor Swift, alongside major sporting events and international concerts. OVO Arena Wembley provides more intimate live music experiences and has welcomed iconic performers, including ABBA and The Beatles, over the years. For theatre lovers, the Troubadour Theatre (Wembley Park) has staged a variety of dynamic productions such as Starlight Express, Newsies, and War Horse.
Boxpark Wembley brings together over 20 global street food traders, creating a diverse dining scene that reflects London's international character. Beyond Boxpark, Wembley Park offers an exciting mix of independent cafes, stylish bars, and well-known restaurants for visitors and residents to enjoy. So, whether you’re craving hearty Indian flavours at Masalchi, authentic Filipino street food at Spoon and Rice, or Traditional Thai dishes at Thai Express, there’s something to suit every palate. And with new eateries and pop-ups opening regularly, the neighbourhood is constantly evolving.
Everyday Essentials
For international renters, having access to everyday essentials makes settling in so much easier. Wembley Park has everything you need within walking distance. From supermarkets such as ASDA and Tesco for your weekly shop, to smaller convenience stores for quick essentials.
One of the best things about living in such a diverse area is finding familiar foods from home. You'll discover international supermarkets catering to different communities, such as Tian Tian Market, which offers authentic Asian ingredients for those craving home cooking.
The London Designer Outlet brings together major retail brands, including Adidas, Levi's, and North Face, alongside popular restaurants like Nando's, Wagamama, and Pizza Express.
Having these everyday necessities so close means you can focus on enjoying your new London adventure rather than worrying about the basics.
Choosing the right type of housing for you.
Understanding London's rental options helps you make decisions that suit both your lifestyle and budget. The city offers various living arrangements, each with distinct advantages.
Shared flats remain popular among international renters, offering built-in social connections and reduced living costs, combining private bedrooms with shared social areas. This arrangement works particularly well for newcomers to London who want to meet people and split expenses.
If you're looking for flatmates, online platforms such as SpareRoom, Ideal Flatmate, and Roomies can help match you with potential housemates based on lifestyle preferences and budgets.
Once you've found your ideal flatmates, Quintain Living can help you secure one of our stylish apartments in Wembley Park. Our flexible approach means we can accommodate shared living arrangements, making it easier for international renters to settle into London life with like-minded people.
Benefits of renting with Quintain Living as an international student
For international students, Wembley Park offers cost-effectiveness, convenience, and comfort. Prestigious universities like UCL, Westminster, and King's College are all within 30 minutes via direct tube connections, making your commute simple and reliable.
Unlike cramped central London student accommodations, Quintain Living provides everything from studios, perfect for independent living, to larger 3 and 4-bedroom apartments ideal for sharing with new friends. Our flexible tenancy options align perfectly with academic calendars and visa requirements, removing the stress of mismatched contracts.
Perhaps most importantly for international students, Quintain Living’s community events create natural opportunities to build friendships beyond your university circle. Regular social activities, from seasonal celebrations to skill-sharing workshops, provide relaxed environments to form new support networks. These connections often prove as valuable as your academic achievements, creating lasting relationships that extend well beyond graduation.
Our stylish Wembley Park apartments are fully furnished, move-in ready, and with utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and superfast broadband already set up. Here, your home is completely ready for London life from day one.
How to Rent an Apartment in London
If you’re planning on moving to London from overseas, here's what you need to know about renting in London with confidence.
Searching for an apartment: Property searches typically begin online through established platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom. Most letting agents and landlords list properties on these sites, making them your first port of call.
You can also search directly with rental providers like Quintain Living, where you can browse available apartments and book viewings without going through an agent.
Booking a viewing: Once you identify suitable properties, arrange viewings promptly. London's competitive rental market means desirable properties receive multiple applications quickly. Weekend viewing schedules often work best for international renters still establishing their London routines.
Virtual viewings have become increasingly sophisticated, allowing international renters to evaluate properties before arriving in London. High-quality video tours and detailed photography can help narrow your choices effectively.
Reserving your home: When you find the right property, you'll typically need to reserve it with a holding deposit. This secures the property whilst referencing and final paperwork are completed. Having your documentation organised and financial arrangements sorted allows you to respond immediately.
The referencing process: Referencing involves background checks on your employment history, previous rental arrangements, and financial status. International applicants should be prepared to provide additional documentation to satisfy these requirements.
Key documents you need to rent in London
Right to Rent documents: In the UK, landlords are legally required to check that all tenants have the right to rent property before commencing a tenancy. This means you’ll need to provide documents such as a valid passport and, if applicable, your supporting document. These prove your legal right to rent in the UK.
Proof of income - Employment contracts and bank statements demonstrate your ability to afford the rental payments.
What Is a Right to Rent Check?
Right to Rent checks verify your legal eligibility to rent property in the UK. Landlords are legally required to perform these checks before granting tenancies. Your visa and passport typically satisfy these requirements, but ensure you have the correct documents available to prove your rental eligibility.
References - Previous landlords, employers, and professional contacts can provide appropriate references.
Deposits - Traditional London rentals require security deposits. These deposits are protected under government schemes and returned at tenancy end, subject to the property's condition.
Ready to discover what London living should feel like? Contact our team or book your viewing to experience the difference for yourself.
FAQs for international renters
Can I view an apartment from abroad?
Yes, you can typically view an apartment from abroad before you move in. High-quality video tours, detailed photography, and live video calls with letting agents allow comprehensive property evaluation from anywhere in the world.
Can I rent before I arrive in the UK?
Absolutely. Many landlords and letting agents accommodate international renters' needs to secure housing before arrival. Digital document submission, online referencing, and electronic contract signing make remote rental arrangements straightforward
Do I need a UK bank account to rent in London?
While a UK bank account eventually becomes necessary for daily London life, many landlords accept international bank accounts for initial rental arrangements.
What is a UK guarantor?
A UK guarantor is a UK resident who agrees to cover your rental payments if you default. Many landlords require international renters to provide UK guarantors due to limited local credit history.
How long can I rent for at Quintain Living?
We offer flexible tenancies, from 3 months to 24 months, based on what suits you.
