What I Rent: I pay £2,400pcm for my compact Battersea one-bed — now I’m upsizing

Welcome back to What I Rent – Metro’s tenant diary series exploring what renting is like in the UK and further afield.

This week, we’re in South London visiting 28-year-old Adam Michael Howie, who lives in a one-bedroom flat in Wandsworth with his girlfriend.

The couple were actually one of the first to move in last year, and have loved living in their apartment building so much that they’re now moving into a larger flat in the same building.

Last week, we visited YouTube star Estée Lalonde at her £3,000 per month two-bedroom flat in Tottenham Hale, North London.

Having moved to London from Canada, she decided to document her new life abroad — and in the process, started filming beauty content.

But for now, here’s what Adam had to say about their renting journey…

Tell us about yourself!

I moved into New Acres in Wandsworth in November 2023, and we were one of the first couples to move in. At the time, I was working as a maritime broker, but four months later, an opportunity came up where I could build my own gin distillery bar within the development, so we’re waiting for the final go-ahead.

During this time, we’ve also opened up 404 Coffee which is a community within New Acres itself. We know everyone – from other tenants to the concierge and staff – we’re always having chats with people and there’s a real sense of family here.

How much do you pay to live here?

It’s £2,400 for a one-bedroom apartment, which works well for me.

What do you get for what you pay?

You can get your flat furnished or unfurnished and have full access to a lovely gym with some great PTs and classes. There’s a 25m heated rooftop pool with outside terraces, which is fantastic in the summer, as well as co-working spaces, pool tables and a grand piano.

Downstairs we have a concierge and parcel room, which comes in super handy for online orders. There are also bigger private dining rooms where you can host dinner parties or events with your friends.

Do you feel like you have a good deal?

You get a lot for your money here, I have everything I need, from the pool to the gym. I used to pay £300 for a David Lloyd membership, so having everything included is a steal for me!

It can be so hard to find good places to rent in London and the market is very competitive. Moving here was so simple and I know I can stay here as long as I need so don’t have to worry about finding a new place to live when my contract is up.

Where is your home based and what do you think of the area?

We love Wandsworth. It has its own community and vibe – we used to live in Balham so it’s our first time here, and we’re very happy. You can be in Central London within 30 minutes yet you’re far enough out you can get to Richmond Park and quaint countryside pubs in no time.

I recently opened and run a café in New Acres called 404 – named after my flat number – and have plans to open a bigger space next year. During the week we host a run club for residents and locals where we all meet at the café and run around the local area.

How did you find this property?

We found New Acres on Instagram! We were scrolling, saw the pictures and knew we had to see it in person. We ended up being the first appointment after they opened to the public and within 45 minutes I had signed the agreement.

How have you made it feel like home?

The flat already came with some really nice furnishings so you really don’t have to do much to make it feel like home. Unlike some rental places we can decorate, do some painting or put up shelves. I’ve bought a load of plants so it’s starting to look like an orchard!

Do you feel like you have enough space?

Absolutely – it’s not just about your individual flat but the building as a whole. If I have friends over, we’ll pop downstairs and sit on the sofas or similarly during the summer you’ll relax on the terraces.

It is almost like a big family here, you always bump into other residents and get to know each other and visit each other’s apartments too.

Are there any problems with the home you have to deal with?

A few teething issues but mostly to do with the manufacturers of some appliances. Nothing has been too difficult or too much effort to be sorted by the team. We’ve even had a concierge come up to our flat at 11pm on a Friday and help was given straight away.

Do you have plans to move again any time soon? What about buying a place?

My girlfriend and I like the development so much that we’ve actually just signed for a bigger rental apartment here. It would be hard to find another place that has such a beautiful pool and gym in such a great location.

When the development is fully complete, it’s going to have loads of independent businesses on the ground floor and I’m planning on opening a gin distillery with a social space and bar to support the community.

Shall we take a look around?

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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