More people are renting than ever before, and for longer. With the first rung of the housing ladder getting further out of reach for many and a societal shift towards a more flexible, subscription-style way of living and working, the rental sector has upped its game to offer renters a lifestyle choice.
Professional build-to-rent companies have championed a better and more rewarding rental experience by providing a simpler, more transparent, customer-focused service.
Get Living is the largest of these operators in the UK with more than 2,800 homes for rent across London and Manchester and has been awarded ‘Landlord of the Year’ for the last three years.
They cut out the middle-man so you don’t deal with any agents, meaning there are no hidden fees and no security deposits* – the price you see on the website is the price you pay.
They’ve simplified paperwork and taken the pain out of referencing processes saving you time to do the things that matter. There’s also a dedicated team onsite to help with any queries seven days a week.
They build homes that renters want. Bigger, brighter, smarter homes, in a range of layouts and interior collections with the freedom to decorate so you can choose a space that’s right for you.
Get Living’s ethos is “sleep in your home, live in the neighbourhood,” which is why they work with independent retailers to bring each place to life with its own character and energy.
Restaurants and cafes offering every cuisine, quirky bars and craft beer taprooms, beauty salons, laser tag, yoga studios and gyms – there’s everything you could need on your doorstep.
And to help foster a sense of community Get Living ensures there is a year-round programme of free events and activities for residents and locals to get involved with.
Learn to paint like Banksy, make homemade sausage rolls, try gin-tasting. Get Living and do more.
Choose the right neighbourhood for you:
New Maker Yards at Middlewood Locks, M5, Manchester
Get Living’s newest neighbourhood offers the best of both worlds being just 10 minutes from Spinningfields and offering a quaint canal side setting.
Opening later this year, residents will have access to a club lounge hosting regular events and offering shared workspaces, a kitchen and chillout area.
They’ll also have a Co-Op and Seven Bro7hers Beerhouse and on their doorstep. Cheers to that.
Homes available to rent from £825 per month.
What’s on:
October: Free Fitness. Outdoor fitness troupe Our Parks is launching weekly Box Fit and Bootcamp classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings along the canal and Sunday Run Club to explore Manchester’s parks. Sign up for sessions at www.ourparks.org.uk
“The apartment is obviously brand new and beautifully furnished and to be able overlook the canal is amazing. It’s so peaceful and now there’s nothing more we enjoy than a glass of wine on our balcony in the evening,” Emily, New Maker Yards
East Village, E20, London
With 35 acres of parks and wetlands and the amazing facilities of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on the doorstep, East Village is a place to get active.
The tree-lined neighbourhood has 29 independent retailers including restaurants, cafes, bars, gyms and salons – it’s even got a laser tag arcade and escape room.
The community centre hosts regular meet-ups for locals – from language classes to parents’ club, yoga to board games – as well as there being a year-round programme of free events and food festivals around the park for everyone to enjoy.
Homes available to rent from £1,650 per month.
What’s on:
October: Supper Clubs. Sample new and creative menus from some of the neighbourhood’s much-loved independent restaurants and cafes. The autumn series will run every Wednesday of the month starting 9 October
26 October: Spooktacular. A free Halloween event for little and big monsters. Collect a map and pumpkin basket on Victory Parade and go tick-or-treating around the village
2 November: Theatre of Light. E20 will be illuminated by a parade of LED drummers, sparkling dancers and dazzling performers. Head to Victory Park from 7pm – it’s going to be lit!
Visit www.eastvillagelondon.co.uk for more info and tickets.
“We looked at other areas in East London but it was the benefits of renting with Get Living that really sold us on East Village. We loved the idea of no deposits, it made our move to London so much more affordable,” Hannah, East Village
Elephant Central, SE1, London
In zone 1 and located at the vibrant heart of Elephant and Castle, at Elephant Central you can make the most of the city yet live in a place with a character and community of its own.
A Gymbox (with exclusive resident discounts), pizzeria and South American restaurant are just downstairs as well as indoor food market Mercato Metropiltano over the road. Borough Market and the South Bank are just 20-minute walk away.
Homes available to rent from £1,855 per month.
*subject to referencing