Relocating to London is an exciting step, but the process can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to secure a flatshare from another country. You’re dealing with time zones, unfamiliar neighbourhoods, a fast-moving rental market, and the challenge of trusting photos or ads you’ve found online. It’s normal to feel unsure about where to start.

The good news is that you can secure a professional flatshare in London before you arrive, as long as you follow the right steps and choose a platform that supports international movers. That’s exactly why so many professionals relocating from abroad use Right Room.

 

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Understanding the Challenges of Securing a Room From Abroad

Before we look at solutions, it helps to understand the common difficulties international movers face:

• You can’t physically view the property.
  
  

• Scams and fake listings online make choosing risky.
  
  

• You may not know which areas suit your lifestyle or commute.
  
  

• London rents can vary dramatically between neighbourhoods.
  
  

• Time zone differences make communication harder.
  
  

• You may struggle to understand UK rental rules or deposits.
  
  

• Many landlords prefer tenants who can visit in person.
  
  

This is why using a reliable, professional flatshare service is essential rather than searching through unreliable sites or private ads.

 

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1. Start With Researching London Neighbourhoods

Before you try to book a room, get familiar with areas that match your lifestyle, budget, and commute.

Consider factors such as:

• Distance to central London
  
  

• Access to Tube lines
  
  

• Preferred pace of life (busy, quiet, suburban)
  
  

• Travel time to your workplace
  
  

• Safety and community feel
  
  

• Access to supermarkets and essentials
  
  

Right Room helps here by guiding overseas tenants through the best areas for professionals, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. We explain neighbourhood vibes, budgets, and commuting options so you can make an informed decision.

 

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2. Choose Verified Professional Flatshares Only

When relocating from abroad, trust matters more than anything else. Avoid private ads, unverified listings, or landlords who refuse to offer proper documentation.

Professional-only flatshares offer:

• Cleaner, more organised homes
  
  

• Clear house rules
  
  

• Reliable rent structures
  
  

• Responsible and mature housemates
  
  

• Safer living environments
  
  

Right Room only works with vetted landlords, regularly inspected properties, and houses specifically designed for working professionals. This reduces the risk of surprises when you arrive.

 

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3. Book a Virtual Viewing Instead of an In-Person One

If you’re overseas, virtual viewings are the simplest way to explore your potential new home.

Virtual viewings typically include:

• A live video call walking you through the entire property
  
  

• A look at the room, communal areas, bathrooms, and kitchens
  
  

• Insight into the condition of furniture and cleanliness
  
  

• Answers to your questions in real time
  
  

Right Room offers virtual tours as standard for international movers. You can book it on your schedule, even if you’re in a different time zone.

 

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4. Prepare Your Documents in Advance

Most London flatshares require basic documentation, so organising it early helps speed up your booking.

You may need:

• Passport or ID
  
  

• Proof of employment
  
  

• Offer letter (if starting a new job)
  
  

• Previous rental history
  
  

• Bank statements
  
  

• Guarantor information (only if required)
  
  

Right Room keeps paperwork simple and guides you on exactly what you need, removing confusion around UK rental rules.

 

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5. Understand What Your Rent Includes

Many professionals relocating to London worry about hidden costs, especially when they’re not familiar with utility prices.

Make sure you know what is included:

• Council tax
  
  

• Heating
  
  

• Water
  
  

• Electricity
  
  

• Wi-Fi
  
  

• Cleaning services
  
  

• Maintenance support
  
  

Right Room rooms are typically “bills included”, making budgeting easier for anyone moving from overseas.

 

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6. Book Your Room Before You Arrive

In London’s market, rooms get taken quickly. Waiting until you land often leads to:

• Paying for expensive temporary stays
  
  

• Limited options
  
  

• More competition
  
  

• Rushed decisions
  
  

Most international tenants secure their room in advance.

With Right Room, you can reserve your room safely from abroad after a virtual viewing, and your tenancy agreement is sent digitally for secure signing. This gives you peace of mind before you board your flight.

 

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7. Arrange Your Move-In Day Smoothly

Once you land in London, you want to settle quickly, especially after a long flight.

Right Room supports your arrival by:

• Scheduling your move-in appointment
  
  

• Providing directions to the property
  
  

• Sharing access instructions
  
  

• Offering check-in assistance
  
  

• Ensuring your room is ready and clean
  
  

This is particularly helpful for tenants arriving late at night or on weekends.

 

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8. Take Advantage of Aftercare Support

Many agencies disappear after you move in, but international tenants often need more support during their first few weeks.

Right Room continues to support you with:

• Maintenance requests
  
  

• Contract questions
  
  

• Housemate introductions
  
  

• Clarification on bills or cleaning schedules
  
  

• Help settling into your new neighbourhood
  
  

Moving to a country is a big transition, and having ongoing support makes a significant difference.

 

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Common Questions International Movers Ask

Can I trust photos online?

Only if they’re from a verified platform. Right Room provides updated, accurate photos and video tours.

What if I don’t like the room when I arrive?

With honest listings and virtual viewings, surprises are rare. Right Room ensures transparency so what you see online is what you get.

Do I need a UK bank account before renting?

Not always. Right Room provides guidance on payments for international tenants.

Can I move in immediately after landing?

Yes. Many overseas tenants schedule move-in the same day or next day after they arrive.

 

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How Right Room Makes Relocating to London Stress-Free

If you’re moving from abroad, here’s how Right Room supports you at every stage:

• Help choosing the right area
  
  

• Verified professional flatshare rooms
  
  

• Virtual viewings tailored to your time zone
  
  

• Simple digital paperwork
  
  

• Bills included in most rents
  
  

• Guaranteed room readiness when you arrive
  
  

• A smooth check-in experience
  
  

• Ongoing aftercare and maintenance support
  
  

You get a safe, organised, and reliable experience from start to finish, which is exactly what you need when relocating to one of the world’s busiest cities.

 

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Final Thoughts

Moving to London from another country can feel stressful, but the right support transforms the experience. With proper planning, virtual viewings, clear communication, and a trustworthy platform, you can secure a professional flatshare before you even board your flight.

Right Room is here to make the entire process smoother and safer for international professionals who want a clean, comfortable and well-managed home waiting for them in London.