We’re in south London this week (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
With mortgage rates as they are currently, lots of renters are staying put for a while – instead of choosing to get on the property ladder.
This is an attitude very much held by Tiago Carvalho, who lives in a one-bed apartment in London’s Nine Elms.
For this week’s What I Rent, we’re chatting to Tiago about his rental experience and why he likes paying for the lifestyle that comes with it – such as the facilities on offer at his development.
Here’s what he had to say…
Tell us about yourself.
I’m 34 and a growth manager for a property technology company based in Canary Wharf. I love CrossFit, exercising and also cycling – and do that every day to commute to work. Also, I love a good themed party and socialising.
I’ve been living here for six months.
How much do you pay to live here?
£3,250 a month.
This includes 24/7 maintenance and access to: amenities (AKA the pool, gym, co-working space, dining spaces, 24/7 concierge, rooftop and Orangery). But utilities are not included.
What do you get for what you pay?
You get top-of-the-line amenities at Bloom East: spacious flats, five lounges, co-working space with meeting rooms (great if you’re working from home) a swimming pool with Jacuzzi, barbecue spots, pool tables, and top of line gym, plus a 360 rooftop. There’s even a grow your own veggies spot and a super cute Orangery (a bit like a greenhouse).
‘Battersea is by far the best area to live'(Picture: Susannah Ireland)
Do you feel like you have a good deal?
Yes, I believe that you’re not just paying for a flat, you are paying for a lifestyle (it sounds corny) but it’s true.
I love having my friends over and rather than being in my flat, we can all hang out in the lounge, or pool. We play ping pong or play piano (I don’t but some of my friends do and I make them play).
What do you think of Nine Elms / Battersea?
I have been in London for 13 years now, and five have been in Battersea – it’s by far the best area to live. I’m next to the Battersea Power station, how cool is that?
How did you find this property?
I had a phone call from the lettings team.
Tiago loves the development in Nine Elms (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
How have you made this place feel like home?
I have been collecting furniture for a while now and I love having special pieces that make my home feel unique and mine.
Have you found it difficult to decorate when renting?
I had my furniture, so for me it was easy.
But Greystar (the property management company) are on hand to help you with that for sure.
Do you feel like you have enough space?
Yes, the flat is very spacious.
Tiago has lived in this apartment for the last six months (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
Do you want to feature in What I Own?
What I Rent is Metro.co.uk’s weekly series that takes you inside the places people are renting, to give us all a better sense of what’s normal and how much we should be paying.
If you fancy taking part, please email [email protected]. You’ll need to take pictures of your kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom, plus a few photos of you in your bedroom or living area.
Make sure you get permission from your housemates! You’ll also need to be okay with sharing how much you’re paying for rent, as that’s pretty important.
We’re not just after the prettiest places out there, by the way. We want the reality of renting, so if you’re currently renting a place you hate, we’d love to see that too (and sympathise greatly!).
‘I am very happy and settled at the moment’ (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
Are there any problems with the home you have to deal with?
No, not at all. Everything works, even if it didn’t, they have a maintenance team and they are super quick to act.
Do you have plans to move again any time soon? What about buying a place?
No, I am very happy and settled at the moment, moving frequently is very costly. At the moment with the crazy mortgage rates, it makes no sense to buy.
Shall we take a look around?
Let’s start the tour (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
The main living space (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
Living room details (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
Tiago loves living in Battersea (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
The kitchen area (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
It’s an open plan design (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
The bedroom (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
(Picture: Susannah Ireland)
Bedroom details (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
Bathroom (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
There’s even a balcony area (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
The communal workspace area at Bloom East (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
The communal gym (Picture: Susannah Ireland)
One of the communal lounges(Picture: Susannah Ireland)
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
MORE : What I Rent: Trader Siam, who pays £3,250 per month in Norwich – and is waiting to buy mortgage-free
MORE : What I Rent: Lambertus and Jennilee, who pay £1,275 for a two-bed house in West Sussex
‘I believe that you’re not just paying for a flat, you are paying for a lifestyle.’