Housing services for expats moving to the UK

Finding a place to live is the most immediate practical challenge when you arrive in the UK. Whether you need short-term accommodation on arrival, a long-term rental, or are looking to buy — this directory covers housing providers with real experience supporting people relocating from abroad.

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Housing

Find housing services in the UK

Every sub-category has its own curated list of vetted providers, plus practical guidance on renting and buying in the UK as a new arrival.

Hotels

Extended-stay hotels and aparthotels for new arrivals needing flexible short-term accommodation while searching for a permanent home.

Extended Stay Aparthotels Flexible Bookings
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Mortgage Advisors

Independent mortgage brokers experienced in arranging UK mortgages for foreign nationals, those with overseas income and people without UK credit history.

Foreign National Mortgages Independent Brokers Overseas Income
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Online Housing Portals

The major UK property search portals for renting and buying — with guidance on how to use them effectively as a new arrival unfamiliar with the market.

Rightmove Zoopla OnTheMarket
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Real Estate Agencies

Buying agents and estate agents with specific experience acting for overseas buyers — managing viewings, surveys and conveyancing remotely.

Buying Agents Estate Agents Remote Transactions
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Rental Agencies

Letting agents who regularly work with newly arrived international tenants — including those without a UK guarantor, credit history or initial references.

Letting Agents No Guarantor Options International Tenants
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Serviced Apartments

Fully furnished serviced apartments for new arrivals needing a home-from-home feel — with flexible lease terms and all-inclusive billing.

Fully Furnished Flexible Leases All-Inclusive
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Featured providers

Highlighted across Housing

A selection of highly-regarded housing providers from across all Housing sub-categories, reviewed by our editorial team.

Macdonald Hotels

One of the UK's leading hotel groups with 30 four and five-star hotels across England and Scotland — a reliable extended-stay option for new arrivals needing quality accommodation while searching for a permanent home.

4 & 5 Star UK-Wide Extended Stay
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Radisson Hotels

Global hotel group with a strong UK presence, offering consistent 4-star standards in major cities. Frequently used by corporate relocatees and families needing flexible accommodation on arrival.

Major UK Cities Corporate Stays Flexible Rates
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Rentaroof

UK rental platform built by industry professionals to simplify the search process for homeseekers. Designed to make finding and securing a rental straightforward for new arrivals navigating an unfamiliar market.

UK Rentals Digital Platform New Arrivals
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Some provider links on this page are affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking or purchase, Moving to the UK may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence which providers are listed or how they are presented.

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Questions & answers

Frequently asked questions

Common questions from expats and new arrivals navigating the UK housing market.

Yes, though it requires more planning. Some letting agents and international rental platforms allow you to complete viewings virtually and sign tenancy agreements remotely. You will typically need to provide a deposit, pass a Right to Rent check (which can be done via a share code online) and provide references or a guarantor. Platforms like Spotahome specialise in medium-term lets for people relocating, with verified listings and virtual tours designed for international tenants.
Landlords and letting agents are required by law to carry out Right to Rent checks, so you will need to prove your right to live in the UK — typically via your passport and visa, or a Home Office share code. Beyond that, most landlords will ask for proof of income or employment, references from a previous landlord and a UK bank account. If you don't yet have UK references or a credit history, some agents will accept a larger upfront deposit or an overseas guarantor instead.
Yes. Many UK lenders offer mortgages to foreign nationals, though the criteria and available products vary depending on your visa type, how long you have been in the UK, and whether your income is in sterling. Working with an independent mortgage broker who specialises in foreign national applications significantly increases your chances of finding a suitable product. Some lenders will also consider overseas income, though typically at a reduced multiplier compared to UK earnings.
Rental costs vary enormously by location. London is by far the most expensive market — a one-bedroom flat in central London can cost £2,000–£3,500 per month or more. Outside London, cities like Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh offer significantly lower rents, typically £800–£1,400 per month for a one-bedroom flat. On top of rent, expect to pay a tenancy deposit (usually five weeks' rent) upfront. Bills for utilities, council tax and broadband are usually additional unless you are in a serviced apartment or student accommodation.
A serviced apartment is a fully furnished, self-contained apartment available on flexible terms — usually from one week upwards. Unlike a standard rental, bills are typically included, no credit checks are required and you can move in immediately. They are ideal for new arrivals who need somewhere to live while they search for a long-term home, or for those on corporate relocation packages. Costs are higher per month than an unfurnished flat, but the flexibility and lack of setup friction often make them the right choice for the first few months.
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