London properties vary hugely in terms of age, design, fixtures and amenities.

Questions to consider include:

  • How many rooms do you need?
  • Do you need a furnished or unfurnished property?
  • Do you need outside space?
  • Do you need a parking space?
  • Do you have any pets?

Property types and terms

There are a number of different types of property to choose from:

  • Flat. An apartment in a larger block or house, with full private facilities.
  • Studio flat. An apartment in which the kitchen area, living space and bedroom is all contained in a single room, with only the bathroom separate.
  • Rent a room/flat share. A bedroom within a property, sharing all other rooms and facilities.
  • Bedsit. Typiclly a room within a larger property which will be both a bedroom and kitchen, with shared toilet and bathroom facilities.
  • Share with friends or colleagues. Unlike renting a room individully, groups can rent a whole property.
  • Terraced. A house in a row of houses, attached on either side.
  • Semi-detached. A house attached to another property on only one side.
  • Maisonette.   A flat occupying two or more floors of a larger building and often having its own entrance from outside.
  • Lower-ground. Refers to a basement flat with some windows.
  • Attic. Refers to rooms in the roof of a property, sometimes with narrow staircases.

Go to a jargon-busting website to help understand British terminology.