A strikingly compact studio flat in one of London's most expensive neighbourhoods has been listed for rent at an eye-watering £1,750 per month, or £21,000 annually, highlighting the extreme pressures of the capital's property market.
A Cabin-Inspired Space in Central London
The bedsit, located on Alderney Street in Pimlico, measures a mere nine square metres. Advertised through OpenRent, the property has been renovated with inspiration taken from yacht cabins, aiming to maximise its tiny footprint. The main living area contains a sofa bed intended for a single tenant, a compact kitchenette with a two-ring hob, and space-saving fittings like a built-in television.
The bathroom is similarly minute, accommodating only a shower and toilet, with no apparent washbasin. A small balcony provides a slight reprieve from the confined interior. The listing boasts of "exceptional peace and quiet" and "double acoustic and thermal insulation", marketing it as a private retreat in the heart of the city.
The 'Mezzanine' Spare Bed: Not for the Faint-Hearted
Perhaps the most remarkable feature is the so-called spare sleeping area. Described as a mezzanine bed suitable for an occasional guest, it is accessed by a steep ladder positioned above the cooking area. However, the headroom is severely limited, with only about a foot of space, meaning any overnight visitor would need to crawl in and out.
The listing explicitly notes the bed is for occasional use, a caveat that will be readily understood by anyone viewing the images of the tight squeeze. The flat is fully furnished, with the agent suggesting prospective tenants need only "bring your suitcase".
Stark Contrast to Property Prices Elsewhere in the UK
The cost of this tiny London studio throws the UK's regional property price divide into sharp relief. For the equivalent of just two years' rent (£42,000) on this Pimlico bedsit, a buyer could purchase a two-bedroom terraced house in Shildon, County Durham, and still have money left over.
Shildon is currently recognised as the cheapest place to live in the UK, with such properties on the market for around £35,000. This comparison underscores the vast premium commanded by a central London postcode, even for the most modest of living spaces. The Pimlico rental price does not include bills, and the property offers no parking or garden.
