Renting in the City of London

The first thing that strikes you about the City of London, apart from the imposing architecture, is the sheer compactness that has led to it being nicknamed “The Square Mile”. Everything is within walking distance from each other: offices, restaurants, transport hubs and, more importantly, luxurious rental accommodation is popping up like never before. Before reading on, if you are not too familiar with the area, take a look at our video area guide here.

An established centre of global finance and banking for the last three centuries, this network of historic streets that runs from St Paul’s cathedral to Tower Bridge is, today, so much more than just a mere tourist destination. The City of London now incorporates a thriving tech sector which brings with it a fresh injection of youthful energy and a distinct walk-to-work culture and has led to a mini regeneration in the heart of the Capital.

The new developments that are springing up in the City have everything that young corporate professionals and budding start-up moguls need for achieving a healthy work/life balance. Proximity to the River Thames, high-quality residents’ amenities and commuter journeys that can be measured in seconds are all available at addresses like The Heron and One Tower Bridge with rentals from £495 and £600 per week respectively.

The Heron
Studios from £450 – £525 per week
1 Beds from £575 – £675 per week
2 Beds from £800 – £1100 per week
3 Beds from £1,200 per week

One Tower Bridge
1 Beds from £650 per week
2 Beds from £850 per week

Now residents can enjoy a private gym, stunning views of the London skyline and the kudos of having some of the country’s top restaurants like Coq d’Argent and Pont de la Tour on their doorstep. In fact, owing to the plentiful supply of prominent skyscrapers, high-rise dining has become something of a City institution with much of the workforce frequenting restaurants like City Social and Obelix which occupy high vantage points in Tower 42 and The Shard respectively. Down on the ground, there is plenty to enjoy in the revamped markets of Spitalfields and Leadenhall, where new shopping destinations are taking shape. One New Change is a futuristic retail hub close to St Paul’s, conveniently placed within walking distance of Aldgate Place and Goodmans Field – two more high popular property developments in the heart of the financial district.

Aldgate Place
1 Beds from £510 – £550 per week
2 Beds from £650 – £725 per week
3 Beds from £800 – £870 per week

Goodman’s Fields
Studios from £475 per week
1 Beds from £575 per week
2 Beds from £750 per week
3 Beds from £1,000 per week

The changes in the City are definitely having an effect on areas adjacent to it and this is no bad thing because it makes living in the Square Mile a connective experience – no one wants to live in a bubble. Shoreditch and Wapping are two neighbouring districts that have combined financial smarts with innovation in order to create a “City Fringe” complete with its own wide selection of pubs, restaurants and music venues. Here too residents of Avant Garde and London Dock can have it all: short commutes, luxury amenities and a vibrant nightlife to match that of the West End.

Avant Garde
Studios from £375 – £425 per week
1 Beds from £450 – £525 per week
2 Beds from £550 – £700 per week
3 Beds from £750 – £850 per week

London Dock
Manhattans from £475 to £550 per week
1 Beds from £550 to £650 per week
2 Beds from £700 to £1,050 per week
3 Beds from £1,300 to £1,680 per week

The central location of the City means that transport links like Liverpool Street, London Bridge and Cannon Street mainline stations are never more than a short walk away. Bank Tube station is a useful interchange between Central, Northern and District lines while the DLR links Tower Bridge to Docklands. The advent of the Elizabeth line (Crossrail) will shorten journey times even further with high speed trains running between Farringdon and Heathrow Airport.

The two bedroom, two bathroom configurations of many of the modern rental apartments mean that couples or professional sharers can also buy into minimal commuting while enjoying a sophisticated lifestyle. No longer just an austere business sector, the City of London is now a distinct neighbourhood that embraces culture, creativity and independent thought. If you are interested in renting in the Square Mile and beyond, contact our City branch for more information.