Relocating to the United Kingdom is both exciting and overwhelming, especially when rent is often the first major expense. For many new arrivals, finding affordable short-term accommodation in the UK is essential to settling in comfortably without putting undue pressure on savings.
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The UK offers a wide range of budget housing options—from shared rooms in Manchester to compact serviced apartments in London—allowing immigrants and relocating professionals to secure a safe place to stay while keeping costs under control.
This guide walks you through trusted property platforms, practical rental advice, and updated rent prices for 2025/2026, helping you make informed decisions when searching for low-cost UK housing, executive temporary accommodation UK, and budget rooms.
1. Platforms for Market-Rate and Corporate Short-Term Rentals
These platforms are ideal for those seeking standard market-rate housing or high-quality, professional short-term lets UK that may be covered by a relocation package.
Comparison of Top Rental Platforms
| Platform | Target Audience | Estimated Rent (Per Month) | Best For |
| RightMove | Families & Professionals | £600 – £2,500+ | Temporary accommodation in London and market-rate family homes. |
| Zoopla | Newcomers & Researchers | £600 – £2,000 | Relocation accommodation UK comparisons and area research. |
| OpenRent | Private Tenants | £500 – £1,500 | Cheap flats for rent in the UK directly from landlords (no agent fees). |
Example Listings
OpenRent (Birmingham Flat)
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Location: St Paul’s Square, B3
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Type: Modern 1-bedroom flat, fully furnished.
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Price: £995 per month
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Details: Direct from landlord, no admin fees, close to Snow Hill station.
Zoopla (Glasgow Apartment)
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Location: West End, near Glasgow University
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Type: 2-bedroom Victorian conversion.
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Price: £1,350 per month
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Details: Listing includes detailed floor plan, local school data, and transport links for commuters.
2. Specialised Budget & Shared Serviced Accommodation UK
For a truly budget-friendly start, or for those needing all-inclusive temporary housing, these specialised platforms offer lower prices by focusing on shared or student-style living.
Budget Platform Features
| Platform | Pros | Cons | Price Range |
| SpareRoom | Flexible contracts, low deposits, direct contact with flatmates. | Less privacy, shared facilities, variable room quality. | £300 – £800 / month |
| Amber | All-inclusive bills, secure online booking, central locations. | Strictly for students (requires university enrollment proof). | £150 – £350 / week |
| Gumtree | Direct landlord negotiation, immediate availability. | Higher scam risk, variable property standards. | £400 – £1,500 / month |
Example Listings
SpareRoom (London Room)
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Location: Lewisham, SE13 (Zone 3)
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Type: Double room in a 4-bedroom house-share.
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Price: £750 per month (Bills included)
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Details: Shared kitchen and garden, available for rolling monthly contract.
AmberStudent (Manchester Studio)
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Location: Near Oxford Road
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Type: Private ensuite studio in a student complex.
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Price: £220 per week
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Details: Includes all utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and access to on-site gym.
3. Executive Serviced Apartments for Relocation
For those requiring premium or executive temporary accommodation UK, especially for corporate moves, dedicated providers of serviced apartments offer a hotel-like experience with the convenience of an apartment.
Serviced Accommodation Options
| Provider Type | Features | Typical Cost (Weekly) | Target Keyword |
| Corporate Housing | Daily cleaning, concierge, business centres, fully furnished. | £800 – £1,500+ | Corporate short-term rentals London |
| Aparthotels | 24/7 reception, laundry facilities, kitchenette, flexible cancellation. | £600 – £1,200 | Serviced apartments UK for relocation |
Example Listings
CitySuites Aparthotel (Manchester)
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Location: Manchester City Centre
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Type: Luxury 1-bedroom apartment.
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Price: From £110 per night (approx. £770/week)
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Details: 24-hour concierge, swimming pool, gym, and bills included. Ideal for short-term corporate stays.
Blueground (London)
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Location: Kensington, London
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Type: Designer furnished 1-bedroom flat.
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Price: Approx. £2,800 per month
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Details: Turnkey apartment for stays of 30+ days, app-based support, cleaning services available.
4. Essential Documents for UK Short-Term Rentals
Having your paperwork ready is critical, especially when applying for high-demand professional short-term lets.
| Document | Purpose | Notes |
| Proof of Identity | Verify who you are. | Valid passport, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), or National ID. |
| Right to Rent | Legal requirement for landlords. | Share code (for BRP holders) or original visa documents. |
| Proof of Income | Prove affordability. | 3 months of bank statements, employment contract, or job offer letter. |
| References | Vouch for your character. | Contact details from previous landlords or current employer. |
| Guarantor | Security for rent payment. | Often required if you lack UK credit history; can sometimes be bypassed with 6 months’ rent upfront. |
5. Average Rent Prices in Key UK Relocation Hubs (2025/2026)
When budgeting for your relocation accommodation UK, location is the biggest factor. Note that serviced apartments typically sit at the higher end of these estimates due to included amenities and utilities.
| City | Shared Room (Monthly) | 1-Bed Flat (Monthly) | Serviced Apt (Weekly) |
| London (Central) | £900 – £1,400 | £2,200 – £3,500 | £1,000 – £2,000+ |
| London (Outer) | £650 – £900 | £1,500 – £1,900 | £700 – £1,200 |
| Manchester | £500 – £750 | £950 – £1,300 | £500 – £900 |
| Birmingham | £450 – £700 | £850 – £1,100 | £450 – £800 |
| Glasgow | £400 – £650 | £750 – £1,000 | £400 – £750 |
| Sheffield/Leeds | £350 – £600 | £700 – £950 | £350 – £700 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cheapest city to live in the UK for a new immigrant?
Cities such as Sheffield, Leicester, Hull, and Liverpool are often highlighted for low-cost housing and cheap rentals compared to London. They also offer good public transport and access to jobs.
Can I rent without a UK guarantor for an executive temporary accommodation?
Yes. Many providers of corporate short-term rentals London will accept a larger upfront payment (e.g., six months’ rent), strong proof of income, or a company contract instead of a UK guarantor.
How can I find long-term serviced accommodation with bills included?
Focus your search on specific providers advertising serviced apartments UK for relocation or “bills included” filters on platforms like Zoopla. For students, Amber is the primary option for this.
How can I avoid scams when searching for temporary accommodation in London?
Stick to well-known platforms such as RightMove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom. Never send money via bank transfer or cash before viewing a property in person or through a verified virtual tour, and always insist on a written tenancy agreement.
Conclusion
Finding budget-friendly temporary housing in the UK is absolutely possible when you know where to look and what documents to prepare. Platforms like RightMove, Zoopla, SpareRoom, and specialist providers of serviced accommodation UK for relocation make it easier for immigrants and professionals to access cheap rooms, short-term lets, and affordable flats across the country.
By preparing your paperwork early, comparing average rent prices between cities using the tables above, and sticking to reputable platforms, you can secure a safe, comfortable place to live while you start your new life, job, or studies in the United Kingdom.