It is a well known fact that house prices and rent costs are extortionate in London. In comparison to Greater Manchester, which has an average house price of £244,236, the typical price of a property in London will set you back around £696,000.
This makes it extremely difficult for those looking to get onto the property ladder, as most people have no option other to rent but can not afford to save each month due to the ridiculous rent costs.
One flat in south east London is a prime example of how little you get for your money in the capital, with many house hunters sharing their outrage at the disproportionate price tag. In particular, one bedroom has been described as being like a ‘prison cell’ with the size far too small to be classed as a bedroom.
This three-bed flat in Woolwich as been advertised on property site OpenRent. In many ways, the flat has a great deal going for it – it has two bright double bedrooms, an open plan living area, and it is only a five minute walk to both Woolwich Arsenal and Woolwich DLR stations, reports MyLondon.
Though now converted, the was originally built in 1912 and it is Grade II listed. The furnished flat is looking for long-term tenant for a minimum of a year, and boasts two large windows, complete with storage and a feature window and there is access to a garden.
(Image: OpenRent)
However, the third bedroom is definitely on the small side, and has even been described as being like a “prison cell” by disgruntled social media users. One said: “You’re doing 20 years for £1.8k a month,” whilst another joked: “Prisoners in Sweden live better than Londoners.”
One Twitter user said: “They get away with murder, its greed, prices are beyond a joke.. but alas they get it because people are desperate.. and there is NO affordable Housing.”
Another added: “That’s a cupboard, walk in wardrobe, storage space, at best. Never a bedroom. Shame on the landlords.”
(Image: OpenRent)
A third even went so far as to say: “Jail would be better. No bills, guaranteed room, bed, heat, food 3 times a day, gym, games rooms, libraries, education/qualifications, doctors etc on hand, socialising, visits, work, 24 hour security.”
The listing offers a more generous description of the Woolwich flat, with estate agents stating: “This beautiful apartment consists of two double rooms and one single room which can be used as a study room or bedroom. It has its own single bed and double wardrobe.
As far as rent prices go, Woolwich is rarely considered one of the more expensive places to live in the capital. The most expensive borough is unsurprisingly Kensington and Chelsea where the average rental cost is £3,960 per month. That works out to around £990 per week.
(Image: OpenRent)
Close behind was Westminster where the average rent was £3,870 per month and in third place was the City of London where the rent was significantly less at £2,760. And super-trendy Camden was fourth with an average rent of £2,620.
On the other end of the scale, Havering came in cheapest with an average monthly rent of just £1,170, which works out to just £41.70 per day. The second cheapest borough was Bexley with a rent of £1,200 and right above was Hillingdon with £1,210.
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