Why Renters Are Skipping the Flats and Choosing Rooms in 2025

 
25/06/2025

The rental game is changing — fast. In 2025, an increasing number of Londoners are turning away from traditional flats and choosing shared rooms and co-living spaces instead. What was once seen as a compromise is now a preferred lifestyle.

So, what’s behind this shift? As a trusted letting agency in London, we’ve got a front-row seat to the changing behaviour of renters — and we’re here to break it all down.

If you’re a landlord, this isn’t just interesting — it’s a huge opportunity.

 

 

🔍 The London Rental Market in 2025: A Quick Snapshot

London’s rental demand is at an all-time high. Prices are soaring, and space is becoming increasingly limited. But rather than downsizing or leaving the city, many renters are making a smarter choice: renting rooms instead of entire flats.

At our letting agency in London, we’ve seen a consistent rise in room-only enquiries over the past year — and it’s not slowing down.

 

 

💷 Reason #1: Rooms Are Simply More Affordable

Let’s talk numbers. The average one-bedroom flat in London now costs over £1,900/month, excluding bills. For many, that’s just not sustainable.

In contrast, a furnished room in a well-maintained shared house ranges from £650–£950/month, often with bills included. That’s a major difference — and a key reason renters are turning to room-based living.

Secondary keywords: affordable London rooms, rent out room in London

 

 

🧑‍💼 Reason #2: Young Professionals Are Prioritising Flexibility

With hybrid work, job changes, and a fast-paced lifestyle, many young professionals don’t want long contracts or the burden of furnishing an entire flat. They want shorter lets, ready-to-move-in spaces, and convenient locations.

Shared rooms offer all of that — and more.

As a leading letting agency in London, we help landlords structure flexible room rentals that attract exactly this kind of tenant.

 

 

🤝 Reason #3: Shared Living = Built-In Community

Gone are the days when shared houses were just for students. In 2025, co-living is a lifestyle — especially for those new to the city.

Many renters actively prefer sharing homes with like-minded people, especially if:

  • They're moving to London for work

  • They're digital nomads or freelancers

  • They’re seeking community and cost savings

Rooms don’t just offer affordability — they offer connection.

 

 

🏡 Reason #4: Modern Rooms Are Nothing Like They Used to Be

Forget outdated décor and mismatched furniture. Today’s renters expect high standards — even in a shared home.

Top-performing rooms now include:

  • Modern furnishings

  • High-speed Wi-Fi

  • Smart TVs and fitted wardrobes

  • Weekly cleaning services

  • All bills included

We guide landlords through upgrades that boost rental value, shorten vacancy periods, and create happier tenants — all part of our full-service letting agency in London model.

 

 

📉 Reason #5: Flats Come with Hidden Costs

Flats may look like the ultimate freedom, but they come with surprise costs:

  • Utility bills

  • Council tax

  • Broadband

  • TV licence

  • Service charges (in some buildings)

For many renters, these add up quickly. With a fully inclusive room, budgeting becomes simpler, and costs are predictable — something especially attractive in the current economic climate.

 

 

🧠 Why Landlords Should Pay Attention to This Shift

This trend isn’t a fluke — it’s the future. As more renters opt for room-based living, landlords who adapt will see stronger demand, better returns, and longer tenancies.

Here’s why you should consider letting rooms instead of flats:

  • Higher rental yield per square foot

  • Less downtime between tenants

  • Flexible contracts that match modern lifestyles

  • Greater tenant retention with managed homes

If this sounds like a lot to manage — don’t worry. That’s where a professional letting agency in London comes in.

 

 

💼 How a Letting Agency in London Can Help You Succeed

At our letting agency, we specialise in room rentals that work. We handle everything from:

  • Market-accurate pricing

  • Property listing and marketing

  • Tenant screening and referencing

  • Contract drafting and compliance

  • Full property management and rent collection

We don’t just fill rooms — we fill them with reliable tenants who stay longer and treat your property with care.

 

 

🏁 Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Rethink the Flat

In 2025, the smartest renters are skipping the traditional flat — and the smartest landlords are embracing the room rental model.

Whether you're a first-time landlord or managing multiple properties, this shift offers a powerful opportunity to maximise your income, reduce void periods, and meet modern renter demand.

 

 

📞 Want to Maximise Your Rental Income This Year?

Let our expert team at your local letting agency in London help you transition from outdated flats to high-performing room lets.

✅ Book a free rental consultation today
 ✅ Get help pricing, staging, and managing your rental
 ✅ Join a growing number of landlords earning more through rooms


 
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