Welcome back to What I Rent – Metro’s tenant diary series exploring what renting is like in the UK and further afield.
When Dot Anande decided to move from London from Manchester, she quickly realised how competitive the rental market is in the capital.
She managed to secure three viewings in one day – but by the time she’d got on the train, two of them were gone.
Despite the tricky house hunt, she’s now been in London for four years. And, just recently, she’s moved into a flat she truly loves: a one-bed in leafy South London.
Here’s what she had to say about her renting journey…
Tell us about yourself!
I’m 29, and I’ve been in digital marketing for about seven years. I moved from Manchester to London for work in August 2022 and I love it here.
I’m all about decorating, vintage shopping, and sharing my finds on social media.
What kind of property do you rent, and how long have you been there?
My boyfriend and I converted one bedroom into a living room, as two friends shared it before us.
The old living room was set up in the reception. Now, it’s a makeshift office/dining area. We’ve been here for two months.
What was the transition like moving from Manchester to London?
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I was paying around £500 to £600 for a room in a two-bed in a sky-rise. There was a gym, concierge, and parking.
Navigating the London rental market is an Olympic sport, but it’s given me my dream job, access to my favourite music and cultural events, and it’s where I met the love of my life.
How much do you pay to live here?
We pay £2,100 for rent, and around £400 for bills. I like the house being warm and well-lit, no matter how much it costs.
Do you feel like you have a good deal?
Yes. We were paying £1,650 for a one-bed nearby just before this. The extra few hundred for a garden and another bedroom was a no-brainer.
Where is your home based, and what do you think of the area?
We’re in Nunhead. Everything we need is on our doorstep, but it’s never too busy or chaotic.
Nunhead Cemetery is absolutely stunning, and I like going for walks there.
There’s also a local café, Crossways, and they do a great no-frills fry-up.
How did you find this property?
Online. I think it was Dexters.
How have you made this place feel like home?
I create my own art but also buy prints and postcards. I love rust and blue colour schemes, and 80s-style prints.
As our contract here is for two years, I want to try some peel-and-stick tiles in the kitchen to change the look.
My boyfriend and I have a shared Pinterest board with ideas, and we’re always on the same wavelength when it comes to home décor.
For larger purchases like the wardrobe and desk, we’ll usually shop online together and find something we both love.
Most of our new furniture and decor is from Daals, Facebook Marketplace, eBay or Dunelm. We’ve spent between £800 and £1,000 on interiors.
My home is also far from ‘finished,’ and I constantly compare my home to others. But, as someone who is actively renovating, sometimes you just have to accept it, because everyone’s budget is different.
I’m really hoping I don’t look back on my current design choices in years to come and cringe, but I guess it’s a sign that everyone’s tastes are always evolving. I’m enjoying the process.
You share your home on TikTok, what’s that journey been like?
I grew up in the beauty YouTube era, so I followed a lot of creators. I started posting on TikTok for fun, and achieved a few viral posts.
One of my most popular series documented my flat-hunting progress in London. It surprised me to see how many people were interested (and horrified) about what you can get here.
It’s been rewarding looking back on the décor progress, and other creators are happy to share their knowledge, too.
What would you like to have but don’t with this flat?
A larger bedroom would be nice, and maybe a repaint to freshen it up.
Are there any problems with the home you’ve had to deal with?
When we moved in, it wasn’t very clean. The hob is broken, and some skirting panels are falling off.
We’re working with the landlord on fixes, but overall, it’s solid.
Do you have any plans to move again soon? What about buying?
When we move out of here, the plan is to buy, ideally as close to this area as possible. If needed, we might extend our contract here. But buying depends on finances, so we’ll see how it goes.
Shall we take a look around?
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.