August is peak season for lettings – and for good reason. It's when thousands of Londoners are looking for their next perfect home. You're in the right place at the right time, and with a few smart moves, you'll be settling into your new space before you know it.
What our experts say...
"London's rental market attracts people from just around the corner to across the globe – it's vibrant and fast-paced year-round. What makes it truly special is the flexibility. With our world-class transport links, you can live in one neighbourhood and work in another effortlessly. Each area offers something genuinely unique – from the village feel of Hampstead to the buzz of Shoreditch. And the variety of properties is unmatched! Whether you're after a stunning family home in Chiswick, a sleek apartment in a Build to Rent development with all the amenities, or a stylish studio in the heart of the City – London has it all. That's what makes this market so exciting despite its competitive nature."
Gareth Atkins,
Managing Director - Lettings
5 insider tips to help you win your ideal rental
Photo by Foxtons Specialist Video & Photography team
1. Act fast
See a property you love on our website (or on Rightmove or Zoopla)? Call us immediately to book a viewing. In today's fast-moving market, the best homes can be snapped up within hours. Sign up to My Foxtons and you'll get instant alerts when new properties matching your criteria come to market – giving you the competitive edge.
Photo by Ethan Wilkinson | Unsplash
2. Come prepared with ID
Bring your passport and proof of address to every viewing. Without these essential documents, we simply can't take your holding deposit, which means someone else might secure your perfect property while you're rushing home to find your paperwork.
What to bring:
• Your passport or ID card AND
• Your driving licence OR a recent proof of address (dated within the last 3 months)
This also helps us complete the mandatory 'right to rent' check quickly, speeding up the entire process.
Photo by Blessing Ri | Unsplash
3. Stay Flexible with Your Move-In Date
Your ideal property might not always be available exactly when you want to move. By being open to adjusting your move-in date, you’ll unlock a wider range of options that will give you the best chance of securing a home that truly suits your needs.
Photo by Foxtons Specialist Video & Photography team
4. Speed up your references
Let your employer and current landlord know they might receive reference requests from us soon. Ask them to respond promptly – it can make all the difference in a competitive market. Having your salary details and employment confirmation ready demonstrates you're a prepared and reliable tenant.
Photo by Foxtons Specialist Video & Photography team
5. Have your deposit ready
Make sure you know how much you need for the deposit. When you find that perfect place, you'll need to transfer your deposit quickly to secure it. Don't worry – your money is protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme (TDP), not held by us. (Note: we can't accept cash payments.)
Ready to find your new home?
Browse our fantastic selection of properties to let or sign up to My Foxtons now to get first access to the hottest new rentals hitting the market.
Source: This article was reviewed and edited by Foxtons Lettings department, drawing on our decades of London property expertise. We've helped thousands of renters just like you find their ideal homes across the capital. With our unrivalled local knowledge and one of London's largest portfolios of rental properties, we're perfectly positioned to match you with your dream home – quickly and seamlessly.
