St Albans is a small, thriving city, north of London, with speedy train links that can whisk you to the capital within half an hour.
You’ll find a perfectly formed, lively centre buzzing with shops, restaurants and bars, excellent schools, pleasant open spaces and plenty of history, including Tudor architecture plus a 15th-century clock tower. Oh, and there’s a great street market too!
Renting in St Albans
It’s no wonder that so many people who want to escape the big city (while staying close enough for an easy commute) choose St Albans. Indeed, the city topped one recent survey of the top places within a 30-minute commute of London.
In particular, tenants are leaving London in their droves for St Albans, where they can get much more for their monthly rent. If you are looking for a change of pace, we are one of St Albans leading independent agents and we can help you find the right rental home.
For many reasons, renting may suit you better than buying a property, for example, you may be moving for work and need somewhere temporary while you hunt for a home to buy, or you may want to invest in buy-to-let homes in the area. Or perhaps you just want the flexibility of renting locally?
Meanwhile, as a landlord, if you are renting out a property, the local market here remains buoyant, making St Albans a sound investment opportunity.
Where to rent?
You’ll find a great choice of property in the St Albans area, from a new-build one-bed flat in a developments such as the centrally located Gabriel Square to a large period five-bedroom house in the leafy conservation area. If you’re after a daily short walk to the station, the central areas of the city should provide a fertile hunting ground.
Across town, you’ll find medieval cottages near the cathedral, as well as Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian places or more modern homes built in the 1920s, '30s or later.
Popular residential areas include Marshalswick, to the north-east, with great local amenities. It's also very close to central St Albans and home to some of the area’s smartest streets. Alternatively, just east of the city centre, Fleetville is a buzzing area with a unique feel to it.
Meanwhile, a little to the south, St Stephen’s is handy for the M1 and M25.
You may also want to consider renting in one of the many attractive villages just outside St Albans, such as Wheathampstead, Frogmore or Childwick Buy.
Rising rents as part of the national picture
Research this summer showed that nearly two thirds (64%) of the city’s landlords could be increasing rent, which placed St Albans third on one list of 10 areas where tenants faced the steepest rent rises.
However, this is, of course, part of a national picture of rising rent prices. You still get more for your money than in London, and, for many tenants, the extra rent is a price well worth paying for the quality of life here.
And with so many different homes on offer in St Albans, it shouldn't take you long to find a place that's perfect for you.