Nikaela pays £750 a month to live in a studio flat in Penge, south-east London (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

In the last few weeks we’ve been looking at rented properties outside the capital, to see exactly what people are getting for what they pay.

Now, just to remind us all of the stark difference location makes, we’re back in London to check out a studio flat… which costs £750 a month.

That’s going to attract some very smug Northerners paying the same amount for a three-bedroom house with a garden, we know.

And we accept the ribbing.


What I Rent is our weekly series that’s all about taking an honest, no-holds barred look at the state of renting in the UK, including the tiny, absurdly overpriced bits.



So this week we’re with Nikaela, who pays £750 a month to live in a studio flat in Penge, south-east London.

There’s no living room, just a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

Hi, Nikaela! How much do you pay to live here?

I pay £750 a month which includes water, council tax, WiFi and Virgin media TV.

I only have to pay for electricity which is topped up every now and then. It varies from summer to winter but generally between £40-50 a month.

And what do you get for that?

I have the whole space to myself, which includes an en suite bedroom and private kitchen.

Do you think you have a good deal?

Obviously London is always going to be expensive, but I’ve found it hard to find a similar deal to what I have now, so I’d say yes!

Space is limited, but Nikaela makes do (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

Are you happy with the area?

I moved here in October 2018 after spending a couple months in Airbnbs around the area.

I like that it’s more of a residential area as I was previously located on a busy road.

It’s very quiet in the flat and conveniently located just off Penge high street. There’s good transport links into central London and a 24hr bus around the corner so getting to work is always easy.

There’s a variety of shops within walking distance and you’re never far from fast food! I’m also next to Crystal Palace park which is nice to walk around in the summer.

Do you feel like you have enough space?

I think it depends on how much storage space you need, but I definitely don’t have enough here. That’s the main downfall.

I’ve tried to make it work by using storage boxes, keeps it all together!

How do you make the flat feel like home?

It took me a while to settle in but I enjoy coming home every evening and being able to relax, I think candles always help.

I also have a few plants and personal touches which made it feel more homely. Spending that little bit extra on household items also makes you feel better.

She reckons she has a good deal (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

How did you find the flat?



I found this place on Spareroom through a private landlord.

What’s it like living alone?

I’m quite an independent person so I enjoy living alone, but sometimes I miss having friends to come home to and chat with.

You can you use the bathroom whenever you want and make a mess without worrying!

It’s not for everyone and it’s definitely more expensive.

Are there any problems with the flat?

I wouldn’t say there have been any major issues, but there’s definitely a draught problem I had to deal with in the winter. You can almost feel a breeze inside when temperatures drop low, so the electricity bill can almost double.

Apart from the lack of storage space, it’s been fairly pleasant.

Nikaela’s been able to make the flat her own (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

Do you have plans to move again?

I’m reaching the end of my contract but I can’t find anywhere within the same price range. I’d love a bigger kitchen space and maybe a small balcony too, hopefully around the same area.

Have you considered buying a place?

Realistically, I don’t think that will be a possibility for a very long time! Even with multiple jobs, I can only just about afford to live.

Fair. Shall we have a look around?

Nikaela lives alone (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

The bedroom, which functions as the main living area (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

Nikaela hasn’t been able to find anywhere better for the same price (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

The kitchen (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

The essentials (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

Nikaela’s had to get creative with storage (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

And finally, the bathroom (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

Look at that packed sink (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

Every bit of space has been utilised (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

There is a bathtub, though! (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

And a shower. Options. (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

And of course, it’s always toothbrush time (Picture: Susannah Ireland/Metro.co.uk)

What I Rent is a weekly series that’s out every Tuesday at 10am. Check back next week to have a nose around another rented property in London.

How to get involved in What I Rent What I Rent is Metro.co.uk's weekly series that takes you inside the places people are renting, to give us all a better sense of what's normal and how much we should be paying. If you fancy taking part, please email whatirent@metro.co.uk. You'll need to have pictures taken of your kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom, plus a few photos of you in your room. Make sure you get permission for your housemates! You'll also need to be okay with sharing how much you're paying for rent, as that's pretty important.

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