Apartment Hunting in London! (touring *flats* bc im british now) 

Girl imma be so ffr…a lot of your complaints are silly for staying just for 5 months. Carpet in the bedroom is so normal and you’ll just be sleeping there. Decor and stuff too- you’re thinking of it as if you’ll live there forever but it’s just a short time. Don’t get too caught up in the aesthetics! Use your money to go out and have fun!

jen pls ur being way too picky😭😭 it’s 5 months, this shouldn’t feel like condo hunting in Canada! enjoy the process this time around since it’s not a huge commitment and focus on the location for the best experience while ur there :)

Coming from a Londoner, Camden is a nope and would def avoid Elephant and castle. Tbh I think you’re being too picky for 5 months. You’re looking for traditional brick aesthetic but with floor to ceiling windows. You’re unlikely to get both. Plus, the majority of places in London have carpet in the bedrooms.

Girl, I love you but I’m gonna be so for real. You said that you’re not gonna be picky because you’re just staying for five months and you’re actually kind of being picky.

I'm going to say the same, for 5 months... I wouldn't be that picky, I moved with my partner to Tokyo for a year (ended up being a year and a half) and we lived in a 40 sqm south facing flat at a 5 min walk to the subway in an old neighborhood next to a fire station. Both working from home and we had a beautiful time there. I think you are looking for your canadian flat but in a brick house in London and that's not gonna happen... Everytime I visit London I stay in Islington and I love that neighborhood. It's really convenient and well communicated because you should check buses too and walking distance, in Europe many things are at a 15-20 min walk distance. I would prioritize safety, insulation, natural light and public transportation rather than the furniture, big bathroom, big kitchen, giant windows...

Nice to see how the rich side live in London. I’ve grown up here but not really had much of an insight into these kind of flats 😢 kinda heartbreaking to hear elephant and castle being described as middle of gentrification and ‘new’. A landmark shopping centre was knocked down there couple of years ago and it’s soul is slowly disappearing.

ahhh girl be careful you can tell where the flat in King's Cross is! very obvious so just be careful xx

Honestly, 5months isn’t that long. I think your main concern should be safety. Definitely research safety concerns for the areas you’re interested in. Don’t just go off “vibes”. Really cool that you’re in London and can’t wait to see what you do there!

"It feels very safe" GIRL LET ME TELL YOU,I ALMOST SPAT OUT MY COFFEE 🤣

tbh the carpet issue is something that can be easily fixed via carpet cleaners or you taking a vacuum to it once or twice or month 😭 to me personally it doesn’t really feel like a con edit: the apartment with the funky decor, plants, and big windows doesn’t feel worth it to me. scrubbing, cleaning, and DIY-ing somewhere you’re gonna be for only five months is pretty insane

I get the worry that flat might turn into a greenhouse but honestly, our summers aren’t usually excessively hot and our heat waves don’t last that long. Expect lots of rain!

Hi hun, cant believe you said Islington is 'residential' - have you not been to Upper Street? The area looks residential but if you go to the high street, it had the cafes and shops etc. As for Dalston its not that dangerous, it's just mega busy but I guess its on the high street. It's like Brooklyn, with gentrification to its max and diverse, you have locals selling bbq jerk,sourdough bread, than gay bars, Turkish restaurants and organic veg shops in a wide mix. A few places you missed out in zone 2 which could have been in your mix like Clerkenwell, Camden, Notting Hill. Most Londoners dont live in Kings Cross as its hell expensive and full of tourists.

I feel like you are caring way to much about the decor instead of the actual location and property itself. I would pick the first one or the flat in Islington

I live in london and had to go through flat hunting as a recent graduate with absolute max budget of 1600pcm w/o bills for two bedroom with my flatmate and you should be super grateful you can take the time to decide and have flexibility in your budget!! I was pushed out to zone 4 in south east london and it takes me an hour to get ANYWHERE because of the river. Definitely look in places like hamstead heath, hackney wick, chelsea, canary wharf, notting hill. All super central still and places I wish I could afford! We were getting outbid for places listed at 1.5K which accepted offers of 1.9k it was crazy. When you have the lowest end of the budget its an absolute bidding war and you have to give an offer immediately at the viewing. I am so jealous!

The ‘Camden’ flat is actually Bloomsbury - fantastic area and totally different to a central Camden. University of London is a big presence there so lots of young people, cafes, pubs etc and only a short walk to the West End. Absolute Central London is at your feet.

As someone who was born and raised in Europe, it is literally forbidden to walk around the house with your shoes on! Especially when there’s carpet😭

Love how you said everywhere is safe and how many cons there are because we love to see the delusion is still live and well in you. But truly all of them were amazing and we need to see you go out and around and having fun don’t want you to miss the London experience here. Love watching your stuff and now I finally recognise the areas it’s making me so happy!

That Tower Hamlets one was literally my building lol. Tbf when you said nice cafes and restaurants idk why you thought central is the best option, "central" central is never the place. I'd have went for either West or East based on the vibe you're after, but central personally is where you go to see a play/ gallery and then you leave on full speed. Good luck tho!

Babes Camden is not safe at all! Check it out during the night

im sooo glad everyone is commenting the same thing, 5 months really doesn't need it to be perfect😂 london is nice to visit but pretty rubbish to live unless you're paying farrrr toooooo much.

Wow the second place looks so nice 😭 the views and the little rooftop has so much summer party potential I hope you went for that one!

I live a few minutes away from the Camden/King's Cross one and always kind of wondered about those apartments above the shop in that brutalist architecture style, not surprised if you would pick this area. I did see another comment saying that you can immediately tell where the Camden/King's Cross flat is so yeah watch out if you care about the internet not knowing your address, on the other hand you get everything you need right below the apartment with 3 train stations and a great Thursday food market nearby and it is indeed very safe. Big park nearby too like 15/20 minutes, loads of budget eats as it is a student area, gym 2 minutes away, cinema, Asian supermarket/restaurants, etc. The Waitrose is a good size with almost anything you need and got the Boots, bubble tea, Korean skin care, Super Drug, and all that there too. Soho and Camden Town are very doable to walk as well. Some people are commenting to not pick the Camden one because it is dangerous, but I disagree. This is not the actual Camden town, I walk here around midnight and nothing happens. Just calm residential streets with many UCL buildings. Unless you're actually walking at the station all the time when it's dark? But even I have taken trains at midnight to the airport with nothing happening 🤨 Overall the area is not so much considered Camden, but more so Bloomsbury. Loads of famous name plaques on buildings of people that used to live here. Got the big free British Museum and the British Library nearby too. I also wouldn't be too concerned about the place getting heated, since I only have the window open and the humidifier cooling down the air. Loads of air conditioned cafes as well and squares. Or in the worst case the AC would be just a small add on with such a big budget 😅

I’ve been seeing that a lot of the comments are really critical about Jen’s decisions, guys just remember that it’s her life and she isn’t used to the London quirks. I would say that you should be a bit careful with Camden but apart from that, I hope you have fun in the rest of your time in London

I recognise the location of the flat in camden borough because I used to live close! It's not actually called Camden, even though the borough is called so - the area is rather called King's Cross / Bloomsbury💗 Also in regards to safety, it's super safe there - I never had any issues

I don’t know why everyone is judging her opinions so harshly. At the end of the day 5 months is a good amount of time to be somewhere and she’s an influencer. It’s literally her job to live somewhere aesthetic that has good lightly. The carpet issue i completely understand because if you grow up in a house where you don’t where shoes around the idea that other people have walked on the carpet with their outside shoes is such a gross thought. Anyways Jen I love you and am wishing you the best for your time in London :)))

litterally was just stalking your videos to see if you had posted the apartment hunting video and i couldn't be happier when i saw this on my recommended AHHH!!

You can't DIY a furnished place , or any rental in London tbh. Landlord isn't gonna have any of that, just get it empty if the visual is so important.

I’m so happy that you’re in London! Love the apartment hunting & can’t wait for more❤❤

I like the second one you showed. I know stuff isn’t immediately available on that street, but you still wouldn’t be far from anything.

wishing you the best on your journey and i'll pray for safety as you stay!

omg can't wait for the final apartment tour already!!!!!

so excited to know which one you chose and how you're gonna decorate it!

I was so eagerly waiting for your new video omg love you girl post frequent obviously if you are able to not forcing 💗😍

I love the sleak one in Elephant & Castle. Especially the kitchen and balcony with stylish pillar. Also people are exaggerating her being picky.. Shes quite literally just weighing pros and cons relax.

Loved the 2nd apartment

i'm not even close to london but i can tell its super pretty and youll love it there 💗💗 don't worry things will all work out and im sure the apartment u choose will be super amazing (and pls vlog the decorating i love watching ur cleaning/decorating house vids) 💖💖

I love the Camden one. It looks like the apartment I rented in Toronto ages ago and it was renoed in the 60s but the building is from the 1920s. There were a lot of quirks though like fuses and running cable was a little strange for tv/internet. Location-wise it was near a lot of pubs and shops plus a 20 min walk to more franchise type stores.

Anyone else from London and can instantly tell where she is? Maybe try and cover windows/ key sites? ❤ want to make sure you’re safe xx

apartment hunting is my fav serie from you

The last one is so perfect, it’s just carpet it very easily cleanable, please get the one

Be careful w kings Cross area!! Been there a couple times early morning/ late late night and the streets are pretty rowdy 😢 I’m an east london girlie and will live breathe die east london 😂 Also east london has access to hackney area which is really cute w cafes too and lots of nice parks around! Perfect for summer picnics 💯

Im so happy for you girl! 😙😙

Last one was perfect in my opinion and the one with the roof top!

I really like the Kings cross area and the Elephant & Castle areas, but obviously choose the one you like the most, but you might need to be really quick to decide. 1,5 years ago when I was looking for somewhere to live, the housing crisis was so bad that I had to say that I wanted to live in the flat as soon as the viewing was done, because otherwise someone else would take it before me. And the time I moved before that, I told them at the end of the day for one of them, and it was already taken. Finding housing in London is soooo stressful.

i really like your vibe haha i kept laughing watching this

I grew up in London, I live in Ireland now... been following this with indearment xx

i think out of the two towers hamlets is looking better because it has 2 bathrooms u dont have to share bathrooms ,plus it has a nice terrace , the hall also has floor to ceiling windows and camden is also not that safe so.....

the last oneeee! so chic

this is crazy!!!! my family is looking for 2 bed apartments in london in exactly islington and kensington for 6 months!!!! AAAAAAAH I MIGHT BUMP INTO YOU THERE!! we’re moving from australia btw but my parents have neither confirmed nor denied:(

Nosey me who is that guy

loved watching this! moving into of London is stress fr I'm flat hunting as well right now

The greenhouse condo is my top 1. It looks so good!!!! And near a lot of restos. Hopefully the owners allow you guys to get rid of the 2 kid beds

don't listen to the comments the camden one is in king's cross which is pretty safe :) camden as a whole has dodgy areas but king's x is full of students, great nightlife and daytime activities, clubs n concert venues, british library and outdoor cinema stuff all nearby- defo the most vibrant 'in the city' flat out of ur options! as long as you're vigilant, most dangerous things are pickpockets and phone thieves x

If I want a nice flats, I would go for Wood Wharf in Canary Wharf. You have pretty much everything there and it is safe and lot of arts installations and events throughout the year with thr circle and Elizabeth lines.

My family and I got an Airbnb in Islington when we visited London in 2016. We knew staying in London itself was gonna be hella expensive and honestly Islington was such a cute little area, I would definitely stay there again.

@jenerationdiy where is that puffer from? In love with

i just wanne say i love you sm and i wish you the best of luck

Wish you’d viewed some in West London, its gorgeous here!

Based on what you showed us, i think the 2ⁿᵈ unit with rooftop or the Elephant & castle unit looks really good , anyways, I hope you like what you chose. Stay safe xx

you should go for the 2nd flat! you deserve a good place to live in. yea, 5 months seems like a short time but ig people forget you’re gonna be living there everyday 😭😭

I reckon the second apartment is the best

All the signs lead me to believe that I’ll be jen in a few years. And I’m not complaining 🕺🙌

that 4th one is INSANE. i wouldn’t mind sweating for such a beautiful space lol

Idk if you know but Brad mondo reacted to your hair cutting video from back in the day. Also when I moved to Hawaii, I also didn’t have a place to live. I crashed with a friend who was sweet enough to let me stay until I found a place

Not sure why so many people are being so negative and critical instead of offering advice that isn't patronising. Everyone has their own requirements when looking for a place and they are fully entitled to that. Making sure you are in a safe location is very important as there are some bad areas - so I would recommend doing a lot of research online about areas. I would also be careful about how much you show about where you do plan to live so people can't figure it out. Finding a space that works for you is the most important thing.

Girl you are so close to me! I wish I could see you 😭

holy shit i go to the school right next to the second flat 😭 its a nice flat but i dont recommend going out right after or before school because the people at that school are……. odd. also the market near that place is full of drunk people when stuff starts closing, also if ur looking for shops the dlr station is good to go for canary wharf/stratford !!

i would not recommend staying in the blue one because British summer is... difficult

Drop the next vid datw nowww!!

would be nice if you could state the prices of rent for each place in your videos :) bc many people watching these might be interested in knowing the market of london rn

Nice! I think Ali’s flat is the best!

Jen who was the guy behind you in the beginning 🫢

Babes apartment 3 was actually perfect!! wym it’s too busy?? Isn’t that what you wanted 😭 I wouldn’t be too picky, just take it!!

NEVER BEEN THIS EARLY

15:23 as an essex girl this hurt hahah

Who's the boy?

An mobile airconditioning is also an option

I was first, but I didn’t but want to comment I love you, Jennifer

Sooooo you didn't move to UK alone.

I would have snapped any of thede up from the second I walked in the door 😭 you cant afford to be picky with this housing crisis

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.

OMG TOWER HAMLETS

Meanwhile my 2 bedroom townhouse still has carpet since the late 90’s and I’m totally okay with that. 😂😂

First two are good .‘just get some fans for the one with no a c

yea

English people rarely ever wear shoes on the carpet. Not trying to be rude BTW. *I am english.

New subscriber ❤

i said out loud please get the older one 🙏🙏 it has so much personality, the house and area

i got so dizzy from watching the clips 😭😭😭

😂😢❤ wow I'd like to move there someday love you Jen can I come visit you ?

why don't you just stay at one after airbnb, you can experience different neighborhood each month

OUfff, the wirlwind....i got so deezy

As a Québécoise/Montréaler... I don't understand the ''only one bathroom'' complaints 🤣 I'm always Amazed how many RU-vidrs visit 2 bedrooms apartments in the US or around the world and it's like one bathroom per room? And if its not the case it's ''Bad''? You could have an extra room! Worse when people live alone, have the privilege of owning a condo or an appartment and have a ''guest bathroom''... I don't understand. With the price of rent here, I can barely afford to live alone so I would be so angry to pay for a ''guest'' bathroom on top of it all XD

I am also this picky about rentals of any kind. I HATE carpet

The hamlet place looked the best!!

how much is the last one?

Dalston is a definite no no!👀

I've lived in Camden as a student for the last 8 months and it's not a super unsafe area like people are making it out to be.

one of the houses you toured was 2 mins away from my school u filmed the corner shop i go to as well 😭😭 maybe you should be a little less obvious about where you are 😭😭 also you wouldn’t have to clean the carpet on the floor because “knowing london” no one wears shoes inside their house

a few years ago i was wandering around camden with my mum trying to find amy winehouse's home when we saw two or three men injecting god knows what on their arms, hidden behind a bush in one of the house's yards... i'd say camden is a big no lol,, some of the houses looked kind of abandoned, dirty and the streets were empty if not for a pub with maybe a few very drunk men at 3pm