🏡 Where to Find Cheap Housing in the UK (Even During a Housing Crisis)

Cheap Housing in the UK

The UK housing crisis is no secret — rising rent prices and a shortage of affordable homes have left many people struggling to find somewhere safe and secure to live. But here’s the good news: there are alternative options out there if you know where to look. These lesser-known websites and schemes can help you find cheaper accommodation or even a temporary place to stay while saving money.

I’ve moved more than 25 times (yes, really!) and spent years researching how to find affordable housing across the UK. From live-in guardian schemes to direct landlord rentals, I’ve tested all sorts of ways to save money on rent — and I want to share them with you.

💬 My Experience With Finding Affordable Housing

Private renting has become completely unrealistic in many areas. Prices are sky-high, and agency fees can make things even worse. I feel lucky to have found a one-bedroom apartment with Yorkshire Housing at an affordable rate — but before that, I spent years hopping between temporary homes and exploring creative options.

When I was preparing to move to Darlington, I nearly stayed in a unique setup through the Darlington Buddhist Centre — just £250 per month, all in! While I eventually chose something different, that experience opened my eyes to the world of alternative, low-cost housing.

🏠 Live-In Guardian Schemes (Super Cheap & Flexible)

Across the UK, there are hundreds of empty properties — offices, schools, care homes — that are perfectly livable. Instead of leaving them empty, companies use “property guardians” to look after them. In return, you get somewhere to live for a fraction of normal rent.

Here are the top sites to explore:

🔗 Ad Hoc Property Management – One of the UK’s biggest guardian companies. You can live in empty houses, flats, or even quirky spaces like old schools and police stations. Rent can be as low as £150–£350 per month!

🔗 Camelot Europe – Similar to Ad Hoc, offering both UK and European opportunities for property guardianship. Perfect if you love flexibility and don’t mind moving around every so often.

💡 Tip: Guardian schemes are great for single people or couples without dependents who want affordable housing and don’t mind a non-traditional setup. You’ll need to keep the property tidy and report any issues, but it’s a fantastic short-term fix.

💻 Private Rentals (Without the Estate Agent Mark-Up)

If guardianship isn’t for you, there are still ways to cut out expensive middlemen and find cheaper private rentals. Estate agents often charge admin fees and raise prices — so going direct to landlords can save you hundreds each month.

Try these websites:

🔗 OpenRent – My absolute favourite site for finding affordable rental properties directly from landlords. No agency fees, simple applications, and a wide range of verified listings across the UK.

🔗 Gumtree – You can still find budget rentals here, but be cautious and always meet in person before paying anything. Look for listings with verified details or landlords with good reviews.

📱 Social Media & Community Options

Social media can be surprisingly useful for finding a place to live! There are Facebook groups dedicated to affordable housing in every region of the UK — from “Cheap Rooms in Manchester” to “London Flatshare Finder.”

Try searching Facebook or Pinterest for terms like “UK cheap rent,” “flatshare UK,” or “alternative housing UK.” You can often find flexible short-term lets, room shares, and creative housing setups without hefty deposits.

🌟 Final Thoughts

The UK housing crisis can feel overwhelming, but there are options beyond expensive rentals. From live-in guardian schemes to direct landlord lets, there are plenty of ways to find a safe, affordable home if you know where to look.

Take it from someone who’s moved more than 25 times — it might take a little digging, but there’s always a way to make things work!

If you found this post helpful, check out more of my tips on helpsavemoney.net for saving money, making money online, and finding creative ways to live well on a budget 💕