In the latest instalment of our tenant diary series, we explore the reality of renting in the UK through the eyes of those who live it. This month, we meet Jamie Hamilton, a 28-year-old who found an unconventional solution to a miserable houseshare by moving in with a friend who had just become a landlord.
From houseshare hell to a friend's flat
Jamie Hamilton's renting journey took a fortuitous turn when a friend expressed interest in buying a property. At the time, Jamie was stuck in a difficult houseshare plagued by arguments between flatmates, leading him to spend most evenings out just to find some peace. His friend's plan wasn't to live alone, however. He purchased a three-bedroom flat near Clapham Common and was looking for flatmates for company and to help with the mortgage.
Jamie seized the opportunity and has now been living in the flat for around three months. The move has significantly shortened his office commute and allowed him to explore everything Clapham has to offer.
The cost and perks of life in Clapham
Jamie pays £1,000 per month in rent for the medium-sized room in the three-bedroom, two-storey flat. Bills add approximately £110, and the housemates share the cost of a cleaner every few weeks. His friend, the live-in landlord, occupies the largest room, while the smallest room is let for £850.
For his money, Jamie gets a room that fits his bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, and a sizable desk, complete with a built-in wardrobe. The property itself is in a converted council building, which he admits friends have compared to a prison from the outside. Inside, however, it's a different story, with solid construction, a living room featuring a small enclosed balcony, and a separate kitchen.
The location is a major draw. The flat is in a quiet residential area just a five-minute walk from Clapham Common, which Jamie praises as one of London's best parks. He loves the area's abundance of coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs, naming The Windmill as a particular favourite for a post-walk pint.
Making a rented room feel like home
Jamie has personalised his space with an array of decorations, including an IRFU rugby flag, a Shrek-themed pillow, and a collection of stolen beer mats. He swears by Command Strips to hang items without damaging the walls, a renter's hack he's used for years.
He considers himself very lucky with his living situation, not only because of his friendship with the landlord but also because the third flatmate, found on Facebook, has gelled perfectly with the household. They spend evenings chatting together and host house parties for birthdays and holidays.
When asked about his future plans, Jamie states he has no intention of moving soon but would like to buy his own place within the next three to five years, if possible. For now, paying £1,000 a month to live in a nice part of Clapham with friends feels like a deal he can live with, even if he'd always love to pay less.
