Relocating - can't decide whether to pay more and live solo or houseshare?

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Own_Journalist1687@reddit

Solo if you could afford it. Nothing is wrong with being an introvert.

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I hated having housemates. Despised it. I really value my own space and privacy and it would certainly be worth 40% of my salary to me at your age. Maybe I’m silly, I don’t know. But that’s my feeling!

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SnooozeFezt@reddit

I second this. I've lived in several houseshares and lost my mind in all but one (where I was basically living in someones loft so I didn't actually see them much).

I eventually left London because I simply couldn't afford to live alone, but never in my wildest dreams would I consider sharing again!

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Thank you :)

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Practical_Hornet1392@reddit

Live solo. Out of the question.

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xxaiche@reddit

Yes and with 5 days in the office the last thing you want is problems from other people at home

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Thank you, out of interest why? I'm more of an introvert so agree but trying to not put myself in a comfort zone.

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Confident-Option-207@reddit

Have you lived alone before?

Everyone who has would give the same advice, myself included

You need a comfort zone, it's better to choose to leave it then to not have one. You can go out and see people, you can't always be alone and watch TV or cook comfort food in peace with housemates

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norfolkandclue@reddit

I'm also introverted and my home is my solace. It's one thing to put yourself out there when you can leave, it's entirely different if you reside with those people. Definitely do not live with others unless you're comfortable advocating for yourself and being around people 24/7.

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DeemonPankaik@reddit

You're going to get very one sided answers on Reddit, skewed towards men that want to live alone

London is a very big, busy, but lonely place and I'd suggest, as it's your first time in London, to move into a house share.

There are plenty of women-only or women-focused things set up to try and find housemates you'll be a good fit for. Bad housemates can be a real pain, but it's easier than ever to screen for that before you move in.

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Penguinbaby1991@reddit

Home should be your comfort zone

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Emergency_Wealth7778@reddit

The safest person you can live with is yourself. People are at best messy and inconsiderate and are at worst thieving and violent manipulators. I was thrown out at 17 and lived in 3 different shared houses. Got into an altercation with someone whose bf was in prison for fraud and she stole something from another housemate. Got athlete's foot from another dirty shared shower which I did try and keep clean but sharing with 4 other people made that difficult. Had housemate's random criminal FWB's being dropped off at the house by the police cos he was too pissed to remember where he actually lived.

Just live on your own. Trust me 😅

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zaimahk@reddit

man, emergency wealth is right 🤣🤣

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fergie_89@reddit

I agree. But are there any "share to buy schemes" still going on? So you pay X in mortgage and X in rent?

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Downtown_Corner_7289@reddit

share to buy is terrible never do this

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Careless_Ad5251@reddit

Why not?

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Emergency_Wealth7778@reddit

I think so! My ex bought me out of the house we shared with this scheme

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Careless_Ad5251@reddit

It’s well worth the money- and that’s just being able to roam butt naked in your house 😅

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ab_2404@reddit

I remember falling out with people I lived with in a college dorm, they always left the kitchen in a state, and maintainance was called constantly Because of the kitchen sink being blocked “oh we will have to call maintenance again” “no stop putting food down it you scruffy cunts” safe to say we never spoke again.

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Dodomando@reddit

I lived in a flat share, my flat mate would come home from work at 5pm and then would be in the kitchen cooking from 6 until 9pm using 3 out of the 4 hobs... It was highly annoying that I couldn't cook a meal at all

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Comprehensive_Two_80@reddit

You'll be lonely

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Loud_Fisherman_5878@reddit

Not a factor for many people as many people love living alone. The only downside I see is that is a huge chunk of your salary. I lived alone for a while and it was great but I didn’t save a penny in that year and so looked for flatmates after that as I felt worried not adding to my savings.

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toady89@reddit

Nah. I much prefer living alone to living with friends, living with strangers would be a last resort for me and I expect a lot of others as well.

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eat-real-chips@reddit

I’m not 🤷 have lived alone for years now

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johnjax90@reddit

Solo, no question there. Like you, I'm picky about my kitchen and living space, it just doesn't work when you're not in full control.

£1550 for that is bollocks, I pay £1500 for a one bedroom in Holloway. There are areas that are within 20-30min of the usual office spots and have studios for ~£1200-1300, or smaller one beds around the £1500 mark. I'd recommend trying Kentish Town, Caledonian Road, Canning Town, Greenwich (bit of a long shot but you might get lucky).

Pick your house carefully, London is generally safe but it's postcode lottery for how dodgy a place feels at odd hours. Do you know anyone in London who can help you with what parts are no-go to house hunt in? Feel free to DM if you have any questions at all, happy to help. Best of luck!

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continentaldreams@reddit

I personally would try out a houseshare first on a 6 month contract. It'll hopefully ease you into the move - you have some ready made people to hang out with and bounce off.

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Unique_Border3278@reddit

I thought rental contracts are going on a monthly basis from may, and you only have to give 2 months notice.

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Overall-Flounder1102@reddit

That is correct

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user_reddit_newb@reddit

This is only partly correct as far as I'm aware. If you sign a lease with others, even under the new rules, either the entire lease ends with the 2 months notice, or not. So if you're an individual wanting to move out of a shared flat, you will still need to find someone to take over your portion of the rent if the others want to stay on the lease. Lots of people not aware of that even under the current set up

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Overall-Flounder1102@reddit

You can leave and not require a replacement if others meet overall/joint affordability on their own merit.

Source: I am a letting agent

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calm_down_and_chill@reddit

But will the others be willing to split the additional cost if OP leaves without a replacement though

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undercovergloss@reddit

To be honest this studio is pretty good for the price. I’m on the outskirts of London (Hertfordshire) and pay £1100 for a two bed council flat. So £1500 a month in London to live alone - I would snap this up immediately. Only 40% of your salary with bills included - what’s the problem??? Like 60% of your salary is fun money right? Thats a luxury, most people who live in London have 90% of their income on rent and bills , if not all and then get in debt to just live and exist. This is a perfect set up

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fabthefrog33@reddit

You pay 1100£ for a 2 bed council flat in Hertfordshire? I thought council flats were meant to be on the affordable housing side of things.

How much would that set you back in the private market?

OP if you want to socialize/make friends then house share is definitely the way to go, you're still young and you might enjoy it and you'll get a bit more space for the money.

London rental price has become a fucking joke but then Instead recently that average rent in New-York is over 50% higher than London...I'm guessing the average salary must be significantly higher there.

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undercovergloss@reddit

Yeah, it’s a joke. My mum is 20 minutes up the road and she pays £850 for a four bedroom large council house. I guess I pay as much as I because the area I’m in is a little more ‘posh’ (for reference, the town Victoria beckham grew up in). But £1100 is definitely not affordable, but I guess it’s more affordable compared to if I was paying privately - so I guess that’s all that matters, right?

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fabthefrog33@reddit

My post, my rules 😜

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-Penguin---@reddit

What kinda kitchen you getting for that money, I live in a studio in West london for a little less and have a full fridge freezer and 4 hobs. Make sure you consider commuting further for move space !

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Just the two hobs tbh, no oven and that mini fridge... only thing I'm worried about is long working hours and coming back late at night if commuting, but I'll see if where I work subsidises taxis. *

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Mobile_Remote_9844@reddit

Check out the London lonely girls club on Facebook!

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chellie236@reddit

If it was that cost for a proper studio I’d say take the plunge but that room is already making me depressed. I am also very picky about cleanliness etc and am having to leave my one bedroom soon and am trying for a flatmate situation where I have my own bathroom. It’s tough but hold out until you feel good about something. You’ll always question if it’s right but posting on reddit level of questioning (which I understand) tells me your unsure enough you should live in the discomfort of uncertainty a little bit longer and keep looking.

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Thank you, I did honestly like it in person but can't get over the bed and price🥲

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doegrey@reddit

Rent share for as long as you can. Living alone is incredibly expensive, even if you’re on a good wage. You won’t be able to save and invest for your future as easily as you can sharing costs.

There will be a point where you’ll be desperate to live alone and end dealing with flatmates but it’s incredibly difficult to then give up your space once you’re used to living alone for another flatmate or partner!

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baconbitesx@reddit

Have you looked into warehouse living? It's kind of a mix of both, and seems to be reasonable prices. I only know about it because someone I used to date did it but he loved it. You can find them on gumtree I believe

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1whoisconcerned@reddit

What does your wallet say?

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

It's 35-40% of my take home, but hopefully transport/additional costs would be lower.

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Glum_And_Merry@reddit

What about your social life? I know everyone here hates on housemates (I mean, it’s Reddit, so not surprised)

But flat sharing is how I made friends in London when I first moved here 6 years ago. I think I’ll live alone in my next flat but I’ve got a good circle now so I don’t mind being alone as much

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Thank you - not great tbh! I don't drink and am more of an introvert so not into parties/having lots of people over..but trying to make more friends.

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Forsaken_Bit8052@reddit

How exactly do you plan to make friends, if you don’t have any in London yet, you don’t currently live there, and you plan to live alone?!

This is BY FAR the biggest consideration you need to make in order to enjoy your life in London. Moving in with likeminded housemates, meeting their friends, etc etc, is one of the main ways (if not THE main ways) in which people make friends and have a social life, at your age. Even more so if you’re an introvert and know nobody in the city already.

I turned 40 last year. I own my own place now, but between the ages of 18 and 30, I lived in over 20 house shares with nearly 50 house mates. I had vanishingly few nightmare experiences. And at my 40th birthday party last year, I realised that nearly everyone there - ie all my now-best mates - are people I met via random house shares.

I’m an introvert too, btw. Much easier to build close connections with people you cohabit with than going out to socialise!

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Er....very fair point, point taken! I guess I was hoping through work? But my hours are likely to be 8-9/10 most weekdays.

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OddSkyrocket@reddit

The London work vibe is quite strange, particularly if you work very centrally. People will live all over the place, so although you may make some friends through work they might not be that easy to hag out with.

Do you feel comfortable saying where your work is? Even if you say “central, on the Victoria line” or something like that. I guarantee I could find you some nice looking, affordable flatshares with some normal people!

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Thank you! It's pretty central, on both the Elizabeth and Northern Line, feel free to lmk if you see anything?!

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Glum_And_Merry@reddit

Tbh, with the renters rights you’ll have more flexibility to move if you hate your living situation so either way, there’ll be a way out

Also, easier to find a flat once you’re in London too, most people find flats 1/2 months in advance, and you’ll be able to meet the flatmates and get a vibe, so don’t lose hope yet!

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Thank you!

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cyclopsmudge@reddit

Just to add to this: a) the whole 35% of your income on rent and bills is unrealistic for most people in London
b) this suggests your take home is ~£3875 each month, so you’re saving about 2.3k every month which is a hell of a lot.

My suggestion would actually be contrary to a lot of opinions in here: spend a bit more and look for somewhere nicer than this shoebox. When I got my first job in London I was making roughly the same each month and got a place for £1700 a month + bills, still had around £2k for savings and fun and food each month, and had my own place. Only a 1 bed flat but a nice big open plan living room which was really nice.

The only point of contention would be the social aspect as some have mentioned. That’s really up to you and your personality: if you are outgoing and fine making friends then that will not be a problem, if not then maybe consider a house share as it’ll make it a bit easier, people of your age tend to be a bit more mature than students anyway

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Ooh..a contrary view, interesting! Will take a look, thank you :) it is very small lol

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cyclopsmudge@reddit

Happy to help! As you can see in my post history, I was in basically your exact circumstance a few years ago (also from the north west) so if you have any questions don’t hesitate

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notcharlesincharge@reddit

I made some of my best friends living in house shares in London in my 20s! Now in my late 30s I couldn’t do it but back then I had so much fun!

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The_Deadly_Tikka@reddit

if you have any issues like you mentioned with messy kitchen etc then never house share. You can't reliably trust people to be responsible.

Are you saying your rent+bills is 35-40% or just rent? If its rent and bills thats pretty reasonable. I normally say your mandatory outgoings (housing, transit, bills and food) should max out at 50% (if at all possible) then 30% for fun and 20% for investing. Fun never goes above 30% and investing never goes below 20%.

Won't work for everyone especially if you are on super low wages but its my recommendation.

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Sea-Still5427@reddit

I'd hold out for a house share or a room as a lodger, even if it's a bit further away, so you give yourself time to figure out the new job and where you'd like to live before you get tied into a contract.

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palpatineforever@reddit

This, a lodger or flat share agreement is usually easier to to leave.
This gives you flexibilty if you dont like the location or the job.

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Thank you! Just so hard to find one on SpareRoom without landlords having bizarre requirements (no cooking😅🥲)

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_poptart@reddit

I would never be a lodger. You have far less protections than a tenant and you’re living IN someone else’s house and have to abide by their (potentially annoying / weird / frustrating) rules. You’re not on an equal footing. Rent your own place OP!

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toady89@reddit

I've been a lodger twice and I'd pick that over a HMO. You meet the landlord when you view the property and get to work out if you'll vibe with them, I found those with odd rules were upfront about them (saves them having to find someone new every few weeks) and you can just not move in there. First time I actually only met one half of a married couple but still knew it would be a good move. Having the landlord in the house means they are more likely to care about the state of the property and be on top of cleaning. I'd pick living alone if you can afford it but if you're having to share I'd personally prefer the landlord to be in the house.

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OddSkyrocket@reddit

Me too! I can’t believe all the hate that being a lodger is getting here. Maybe I’m just a good judge of character and have been lucky, but as a landlord, I’ve also had great lodgers.

I do wonder if the people that had nightmare landlords are actually nightmare tenants?!

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dudeyaaaas@reddit

Agree with this totally. Never ever live in someone else's home. The dynamics aren't equal and you're always being watched.

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PM-me-your-cuppa-tea@reddit

You're a bit too early for June BTW, that's why you're likely struggling

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Do you think? Just worried about not having anything lined up for the start, but I am trying to do viewings from Manchester lol

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holholhol95@reddit

Not necessarily true from the 1st May with the new rental reform changes coming in - no minimum terms so you'll be on a rolling monthly contract so in theory easier to leave if renting alone

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Dear-Watercress-5278@reddit

Personally, I would stretch to a slightly longer commute time, you could prob get a 1 bed flat for a similar cost in zone 3/4

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PaleontologistFancy8@reddit

Is that really a studio flat? It looks like an en suite bedroom which has no claims to being a flat!

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omonymous@reddit

OP I’m 28F in West London & also originally from Manchester, my housemate is moving out in June so I’m looking for someone to move in! I can DM you the spare room listing if you’re interested x

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Hey, feel free to message!

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stellar0021@reddit

Youre young protect your peace, your space. You have no idea the stress after work dealing with inconsiderate housemates.

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Either-Issue1531@reddit

Living with others (including friends) has always been way more work and trouble than it’s worth imo. I’ve (27f) been living alone for over 2 years now and it’s BY FAR the happiest I’ve ever been with my living situation. Keeping my peace and having more power over my general well-being has been absolutely invaluable to me. Personally I’d never live with someone else again unless it was a long term partner.

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slumpboat@reddit

I do think you could find a more spacious place for a cheaper price near Maida Vale. This is coming from someone who combs Openrent, Zoopla and Rightmove every day because I'm looking to live solo after two years of house sharing. Living alone is definitely preferred for peace of mind but choosing the right place is equally important.

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Comfortable-Class576@reddit

You could consider a live-in landlord. I do not have experience with these but at least they will care about the property.

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blackcurrantcat@reddit

Solo, 100%. You have to be really extrovert to choose sharing when there’s a solo option available. Don’t hang around if you want to do this; despite the pull out bed situation that’ll get snapped up.

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xomitsux@reddit

If you are fine with £1500 including bills there are plenty of other places for that price that include gym etc. I know since I’ve been looking for one myself. Are you set up on location or are you open to any? Check UNCLE or WEM

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Thank you, I'm open but prefer West as it's closer to the office - I've heard of uncle but not WEM, so will take a look

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InspiringGecko@reddit

Solo

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elliejoness@reddit

House share, see how it goes and go from there

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SimpleFactor@reddit

I was in a shared house for 6 years and didn’t mind it but I got quite lucky with the people I lived with. The rent was bills inclusive and was less than just the rent on a one bed flat in the area, so I probably saved around £300 or so a month living there.

Not ideal and I was there for a lot longer than planned, but I also wouldn’t have been able to buy the house I’m in now without saving the extra money from it.

I wouldn’t write it off, but as I said it really is down to how lucky you are with the people who live there.

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Demeter_Crusher@reddit

You can afford the Council Tax and bills.

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RoutineCloud5993@reddit

Living solo was so beneficial for my mental health that it was worth the extra cost

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Acrobatic_Try5792@reddit

I’d live solo but I don’t like meeting new people.

House share could potentially be a good way to meet people and make friends. Or could’ve awful if my house share experience is anything to go by

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OkGrapefruit7174@reddit

It might be worth looking a bit further from your work. I’d have a look at the underground lines and see which lines would make it easy to travel to work and then look at places along the line. Living in a shoebox doesn’t sound fun to me.

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Yeah, will do! Hopefully most places are within 30 mins on the tube to the office.

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KempyKemp123@reddit

100% live alone. After uni I swore never to live with someone again (bar a partner) i love that if you wanna go to bed earlier or just be in silence to decompress after your day, there's no one to keep you up making noise. Or if you wanna stay up all night there's no one to annoy. You can do what you want when you want. And if you want to be social you can and its on your own terms. I love living alone, yes it does sometimes get lonely ill admit but then that's up to me to arrange to see my friends plus i ended up with 2 cats to keep my company so its bliss

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MCL-Jonathan@reddit

Any life or financial goal? Usually that will dictate whether houseshare or live alone

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Monkeystache_HH@reddit

Distances and travel in london are completely different to Manchester - I remember when I made that move years ago being astonished that I could spend an hour travelling and still be in zone 1, when the same journey time could have got me from Manchester to Leeds or Liverpool!

Have you got the Citymapper app yet? It does work in Manchester but is absolutely golden for london travel. Coming from Manchester to london, public transport is both way more extensive than you are used to, but also way more complex and time consuming. So step 1 is to download this and use it to get your commute time between your office and each possible house. Then remember this is your best case, there will be days that take you twice as long to get to the office.

That said maida vale is a lovely location, and if you can cover the cost of that flat and still live comfortably, and get to your office in a decent time it’s not a bad option. I’d talk to the landlord about moving out the sofa bed and putting a proper bed in there though.

Personally I like the idea of living alone, but did share a flat when I moved to london. I was lucky that my flatmate was a great guy, and met some friends through him. I did set up viewings at a few places though, and at least a couple would have been nightmares to live with.

Ultimately though don’t try too hard to overthink this, wherever you rent now will be a starter. After 6 months living there you will have a much better idea of which areas you like to hang out, will know more about properties that are available and hopefully will have made some friends through work or activiities that you may want to rent with. Good luck!

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sinetwo@reddit

Living solo beats every single house experience ever.

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foreverrfernweh@reddit

Living in a shoebox on an uncomfortable pull out bed with not enough money to enjoy London lifestyle surely would be a no. Try a sublet first if you need to find something quickly and don't want to lock yourself in.

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undercovergloss@reddit

60% of her income is left over after rent and bills. I would say that having that much ‘fun’ money is more than enough lmao.

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foreverrfernweh@reddit

That's barely enough to save once you spend the "fun" money....

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blenderider@reddit

At 35-40% of her her salary with bills, it’s definitely manageable. She can save even. Although the bed acting as a couch is where I draw the line

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DeCyantist@reddit

I’ve done house share where I was the owner of the lease and the people renting the room were under my decision making. Landlord was chill. I saved so much much and invested it into the market. Opt for a modern place as it is easier to find polite, working age adults to share.

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ZeNordy@reddit

I finally live alone after I moving out of the country and oh my god it is so much better. I have a small ish apartment but it is MINE, like my own space I can retreat to if I need, I can decorate however I want, cook whatever smelly foods I want, always choose what's on TV. It's bliss and I would always be happy to pay a premium for it.

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lysergic13@reddit

Lol I already pay 50% to my salary to mortgage and bills, if your salary is that high just take the solo accommodation for peace of mind

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KingOfTheSchwill@reddit

Contrary to most of the replies here and as someone who moved here alone in my early 20s a long time ago, I would say go for a house share unless you already have a well established social circle here.

London can be very lonely and it can be difficult to make friends at first so if you’re lucky enough to live with some decent people it really helps you settle in.

If you’re unlucky enough that the people you end up living with are crap then due to the new renters rights coming in next month you won’t be stuck there for long and it will be much easier to find somewhere better (alone or another houseshare) once you’re here vs trying to sort everything from the other side of the country.

You might even make a few friends in the first couple of months that you decide to look for a place with or who can give you some recommendations.

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infieldcookie@reddit

I completely agree with you. One of my mates chose to live alone and only managed the first year before he decided to move into a flatshare because he was so lonely, this was while working full time in person too.

On the other hand I got on really well with my flatmates despite being an awkward introvert. It was nice having people up for having casual drinks, watching TV with, etc. Once you have those connections it’s easier to live alone.

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morecoffeeple@reddit

I would always chose living solo. I like my own space and I like company on my own terms!

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mrfatchance@reddit

Live solo is great for mental health and not available for many your age. Take the opportunity and make sure to be social too. When thinking about rent, also think about the bills that you have too as that will add a considerable amount to your expenditure. Good luck

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theyellowscriptures@reddit

If you’re prioritising finances and socialising, live with housemates. If you’re prioritising independence and freedom, live alone.

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-Xserco-@reddit

Seeing London per month bills is laughable why anyone would live in that nightmare. Perhaps im just bias.

But yeah. Live solo. Living with randomers is risky and always annoying unless you know em to some extent.

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TwoValuable@reddit

That sofa is already giving back spasms, and the single fridge in a cupboard where clothes are being stored? Absolutely not.

However if you had a space for an IKEA daybed or a single bed with a real mattress, I could maybe justify it on the basis you're not far from work.

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Thank you! Yeah I am worried about the sofa

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Tetsuo1981@reddit

Hell is other people. Live on your own for your own sanity

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blahblahblah1234_@reddit

I would personally hate not having my own space and the freedom to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted.

I’d look for a different flat if that one doesn’t feel right. It seems like you’re not 100% sold on that flat, and if you’re not, I don’t think you should go for it.

If you do prefer having your own peace of mind, look for another flat that you would actually enjoy living in.

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_hariarchy_@reddit

Going against the grain, but when I moved to London for uni, I bounced around a few house shares and barring a handful of tricky situations, I’ve generally had a very positive time. And while I do like living alone, the pull out couch/bed situation is quite alarming the.

But also, do have a look how much cheaper a house share is, because I know friends in house shares who pay £1000+/pp.

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Flaky-Hovercraft8768@reddit

Have you tried looking at house shares in other towns with good commuter links? You can get a 1 bed flat with change in places like Bedford, Milton Keynes etc and only 30 mins train to London.

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LichenTheMood@reddit

It really just depends.

For me. My roommate could be a saint and it would still be fairly miserable for me.

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Puzzleheaded_Name_72@reddit

I’m so glad I’m not the only one who feels this. I’m very introverted and value having my own space to unmask. Having to constantly be “on” is so exhausting. I like my flatmates but it didn’t beat living on your own (or with family)

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IntrusiveUK@reddit

£1550 is quite cheap for London. You may have to live outside the city and get a train in if you need cheaper.

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edgie506@reddit

Live solo…………your mental health will thank you later in life

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calista51@reddit

Would something like a Co living space work for you (no clue how much that would cost in London) but then you would have your own space but facilities and people around if you wanted social stuff. With them including bills etc it may not be much more than the studio you found.

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Leading_Elk3178@reddit

House share! It makes it so much easier to meet people. I stayed with friends when I first moved but when I wanted a new place when I was 25 I went on the Facebook group “Gals who rent” and found an amazing (huge) flat with a great girl who I’m still friends with even now that I’ve moved out. The FB group was a godsend because you can skip all the weird men on spareroom

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UselessDood@reddit

Nothing compares to having your own place, though the pull out bed definitely isn't ideal - but would you prefer that over risking having your space constantly invaded?

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WarmCalligrapher7281@reddit

Personally, if I chose to house share again, I would be doing so with a plan in mind to get out within 2 years max (i.e. to save money to buy a place, which in all fairness I am considering doing).

I'd take my time on a website like Spareroom to meet and go for a coffee/drink with someone first to see if we get on and to get a vibe as to who they are before finding a two bedroom flat or house (ideally with an ensuite/two bathrooms).

Those are the conditions I would have. Thankfully, I am not needing to move out of my 1 bedroom flat and hopefully it will stay that way, so I can be picky. YMMV.

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BedGirl5444@reddit

Solo

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Key_Hope_6915@reddit

Get on local FB groups for the area you want to live and see if anyone knows of anywhere. If you PM me I can send you details of house shares with nurses that might be going in south London. Usually in very cheap and nice homes.

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problemeowtic@reddit

Always !!!! Always!!!! Try to live solo if u can afford it !

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postexitus@reddit

Live solo - but you can do better for 1.5k - here is a 1 bedroom (with separate living room) for same price in Canary Wharf. I've live in this building and it's super safe - even has a small Gym and porter for deliveries etc. Canary Wharf is not the most sought after location, but it's a very good starter home.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/173902559#/?channel=RES_LET

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Poo_Poo_La_Foo@reddit

For me, 100% alone every time.

Other people, even if they are perfectly nice - are terrible. They might be messy or dirty or noisy, steal stuff, pay for stuff late, hog the cooker/shower/washing machine. That's before they could turn out to be...I dunno, racists, homophobes, big old drug heads or whatever.

Being able to close myself off and do my own thing, to my own high standards would be far my preference.

But if you're super sociable and love to be out and socialising every day, go for it.

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Fit_Coat_1482@reddit

Solo did the flat share thing once was hell

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AcknowledgeablePie@reddit

40% of take home pay with bills seems like a great deal to me? The renters rights act means you can leave with 2 months notice so why not try and if you hate it you can start looking for flat mates again

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Different-Idea2878@reddit

Do you have friends in London? Yes-live alone, no-flatshare

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Sure_Eye9025@reddit

If you can live solo. Being able to have a space that is entirely yours is just so worth it, the first time one of your housemates decides to throw a party until 2 am on a Tuesday you will regret sharing

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releasethekaren@reddit

Also spareroom is only really worth it if you get pro version. It’s like £20 a month and if you don’t find a suitable flatmate within that month, you’ll get the next one free. I’ve never had to extend past the month and I’ve used it 2 times when moving cities :)

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bikepackerWill@reddit

I lived solo between the age of 27-30 …it’s addictive.

But it is expensive. I also found myself a little disincentivised to be more social, I actually found it to be a bit unhealthy in that respect — even though I was physically healthier than ever and comfortable in my own company. Not many people can do that.

But yeah, single life. 30. I’m also looking for a houseshare now just to be more of a socialite again.

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ElusiveCrab@reddit

Having lived in a few its great for people in their 20s to get some cash saved up. Would never so it again tho

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sdmgix@reddit

I wish you all the best in your endevours but i would ask myself "Is it career essential I move you London? Are there not career opportunities in Mancheester considering it the fastest growing city in the UK? Will I have more dispossable income in LDN or MCR?

To answer your question, if i was in a new city i would share. But then again that is entirely personal to yourself.

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Prize_Diamond1618@reddit

You can try houseshare through an agency.

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eat-real-chips@reddit

I would pay exponentially more to live in my own space than in a houseshare. Why don’t you sign a years contract and then see how you feel after living solo. New renters rights act means you’re able to give two months notice to leave if you want. Do it!!

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IcySetting2024@reddit

Have you lived with other ppl before ? Strangers I mean.

Did you like it, tolerate it etc

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Internal_Rise2658@reddit

People are awful.

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Thegemofgems@reddit

Live solo!! Everytime

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maksigm@reddit

If you can't decide, it sounds like having your own place isn't that important to you.

I can't afford to live on my own at all, but I do it anyway because I need to. Wouldn't even consider a share.

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impamiizgraa@reddit

It’s tough one actually as housemates can become your first friends in a new city. I’d go for houseshares where the existing housemates are already established and looking to “add” a new person at your age. Then live alone once I’ve established my social life.

I’m 10 years older now so wouldn’t entertain the idea of sharing but definitely would’ve been lonely af if I went straight into living solo in my early to mid 20s.

I’m not an extrovert or social butterfly at all so having housemates really did help me out.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

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makomirocket@reddit

Forget the pullout bed. Get a 2nd hand Murphy bed on FB market. Life changer!!!

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mfog35@reddit

Personally I’d love living on my own but that’s due to me loving my space.

If you are fully new to london I’d think doing a house share for at least 3 months would be a good start, it would help you make new friends and give you more financial freedom to work out what part of london you like and money for socialising since summer is around the corner you’ll need the extra £££ for the fun stuff

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Daveypesq@reddit

I bet if you asked this on a London based sub the answers would be heavily in favour of house share. I lived in London for 13 years and I know very few people who didn’t start out in a flat/house share. As someone who moved there it was a great way to meet some people in a city that can quite hard to meet people

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bobbycrosseco@reddit

£1550 for THAT is insane, even in London. Could you find something a bit cheaper within 30-40 min from work?

As others have suggested, I would say definitely try SpareRoom for the first 4-6 months, especially while you ease in to London life and find your feet. You'll also have time to meet people who might have rooms available, especially after the summer when many people tend to leave London/move out.

Hope you come right and find something nice!

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GingerrJinx@reddit

Solo. Always. No question about it.

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nikkijxd@reddit

I would initially do a houseshare (ideally with other women or a live in landlord) then look to live alone once settled in the city

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Lifehighjimmy@reddit

Not sure if it’s been mentioned but the renters right bill comes into effect start of may. This gets rid of short and long term tenancy’s and means you can go straight to a month to month contract which you can break with 2 months notice, which you can give from any time.

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throwaway7362589@reddit

Live alone but not in the particular studio. It’s tiny

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DryJackfruit6610@reddit

Previously ive lived in 4 different house shares, only one of them was good.

The rest were fucking awful.

Either horribly messy, dirty, housemates or psychos.

One threatened to stab me, i hadnt even met her yet, police came and said they cant do anything whilst shes in the communal areas, only if she entered my bedroom.

Another there was a genuine drug addict/alcoholic living there.

It was absolute hell. This was outside of London in a low crime area.

Id live alone if I were you

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Warm-Marsupial8912@reddit

I'd pretty much pay anything to avoid having to live with someone else 🤣

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Aggravating-Fig-9274@reddit

I live in London, if the £1500 is included bills it’s not too bad however you have no space! What if you think about having some friends over for dinner or drinks? And where is the kitchen? Just next to the bed? Where would you dry your clothes? Space is crucial for your mental health, I suggest to rent a room in a shared house and keep looking for a flatmate in a 2 bedroom flat (maybe you could meet via work)

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xxxxxxxxxooxxxxxxxxx@reddit

Space is crucial for your mental health

Have to agree. I was living in a tiny room in an HMO when COVID hit and they had us start working from home.

Moved to a 1 bed a few months later because I knew this situation was going to put a lot of pressure on my mental wellbeing.

Felt like a waste of money because I also had immigration plans in process to leave the UK in 2022 but no regrets, it would have driven me insane working from home and being furloughed in such a small space.

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zolo9@reddit

I would always have my own place over sharing. Are you able to find somewhere in a slightly cheaper area, possibly further out?

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bellabanjsk@reddit

Have you looked on FB for a house share or just Spareroom? There’s a few girls only house share groups on FB which might yield some results?

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myprivred@reddit

That’s a ridiculous amount to pay for one person. I know people who share with 3 other safe professionals / even gender split and pay 900 for a good area.

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OutsideTheRain6070@reddit

Solo living if at all possible, always!

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angry2320@reddit

It really depends. I was living in a very cheap house share, it was a really ‘nice’ situation, nice flat, nice area, nice people. But, I was sick of it by the end. I now live with one friend (who’s almost always gone) and it’s crazy how much more at peace I feel.

I’d love to live solo, I also know lots of people paying 40% of their salary for a house share, so it depends on what you value.

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PsychologicalDrone@reddit

Personally if it was me, I’d much rather live alone, even if it meant living further afield and having to commute. House shares are always hit and miss as to whether you get decent people. Even moving in with friends can be a gamble because you will now see a different side of them

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Relative-Tea3944@reddit

This place is depressing. Your couch is your bed? It'll be hard to invite people over and you'll have barely any money to go out. I've done both, and house shares are annoying but being alone is bleak.

Get a houseshare so that you have some friends.

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osmin_og@reddit

40% of your salary AFTER you accounted for bills? I'd say go for it. Privacy is really good for mental health. And you'll also save on the commute.

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thorn312@reddit

You need to think about lifestyle as well as just financing. Have you ever lived alone before? Have you lived in a house share? Do you think you'd be okay with shared facilities or are you a bit more keep to yourself and like things a certain way?

Personally, if it's viable, I'd always choose to live alone. I very much value my autonomy and not having to worry too much about making noise or mess and it impacting other people, nor would I want to be dealing with other people's.

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Yeah of course, that makes sense, thank you. I'm very funny with shared fridges/smells and kitchen hygiene - have seen some lovely flats but the kitchen smell is so off putting😅😅

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thorn312@reddit

I'm not saying everyone in every house share is messy or anything either, just that it's up to chance a little and if you are particular, stuff like that over time will probably grate on you. I very briefly lived in a shared house and buy and large had no issues, except that one other person always used all of the toilet roll and literally never replaced it. The other people ended up bringing their secret stash in and out every time.

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BroccoliExotic2575@reddit (OP)

Thank you - and lol at the toilet roll! Really appreciate the help :)

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Secret-Stranger4044@reddit

Solo

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OddSkyrocket@reddit

London can be hella lonely as a new to the city introvert. Renting in London is WILD, and places get snapped up pretty quick. I shared for most of my time in London. My best rentals were in a 2 bed place with a live in landlord (well, landlady in both occasions). I would start looking again about one month ahead of your start date.

Pop a “room wanted” ad on spare room

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ConcentratedYolk@reddit

Did you consider moving a little further out and commuting? For example Folkestone has a direct line to At Pancras via fast train,and 1 bedroom apartments here can go for £900-1000?

Although I admittedly am not sure on the commuting costs, and appreciate commuting is not for everyone. Wishing you luck with whatever you decide to go with.

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Aggravating-Fig-9274@reddit

Folkestone plus TRAIN prices to get to London 5 days a week will be over £1,500 a month plus the time of commuting, the risk of train strikes.. I know just establish professional doing this because they have a mortgage and can afford it, also they usually have a car

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