What I Rent: I pay £1,895 for my one-bedroom Battersea flat, but I don’t have my own oven

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

For last week’s sister column, What I Own, we visited Emily Hadley and her husband Kevin at their five-bedroom home by the seaside in Devon.

The couple stuck to the mantra of ‘buying the worst house on the best street,’ transforming it beyond recognition since they moved in in 2015 with bright colours, wall prints, and quirky furnishings galore.

This week, we’re back in London having a nosy around Kyle Halls’s one-bedroom flat in Battersea.

Having moved to the area almost three years ago, he loves the convenience that his current lease offers him, from the state-of-the-art gym to the cinema room.

Here’s what he had to say about his renting situation…

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Kyle Halls and I’m 30 years old. I am the director of client success and head of partnerships at CREtech, a digital marketing and conference company.

What kind of property do you rent and how long have you been there?  

I rent a studio apartment at Folk Co-Living, Florence Dock. Folk is a communal living property that provides me and other residents a studio apartment as well as access to shared facilities including a gym, fitness studio, co-working space, rooftop terraces, a cinema room and more.

I’ve lived at Folk since April 2024, I’m on a one-year lease currently. 

How much do you pay to live here?

I pay £1,895 per month but Folk offers different pricing options depending on the length of your stay, the size of your studio and whether you live alone. 

And what do you get for what you pay?

With this payment, I receive my studio apartment, which comes equipped with a bed, TV, desk, ensuite and kitchen.

I also receive unlimited access to shared facilities such as a larger state of the art kitchen, gym, fitness studio, cinema room, rooftop terrace, co-working space, onsite shop, games room and weekly events open to residents.

These events vary from fitness classes, movie nights, cooking masterclasses and more. Residents also have access to a 24/7 onsite front desk team. 

Do you feel like you have a good deal?

Yes, definitely. 

What do you love to do in your flat? 

I love that Folk has given me the opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills.

I spend a lot of time in the shared spaces and at the community events which provide countless chances to get involved, whether through wellness activities, sustainability initiatives, baking, fitness, or clubs focused on movies, books, or comedy.

We host events that are open to local residents, not just Folk residents. This way, Folk builds a strong sense of community while offering opportunities for both our residents and the local community to learn new skills and enrich their lives. 

Folk emphasises diversity and inclusion, encouraging residents to participate and even host their own events. There’s a real sense of belonging here, and the freedom to be as introverted or extroverted as you like is a huge plus.

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

Folk Florence Dock is based in Battersea (a 10-minute walk from Clapham Junction station). I’ve lived in Battersea for over two years now, and it’s the ideal hub, perfectly situated between Richmond and central London.

Richmond is a close, scenic and a beautiful place to visit for the green space of Richmond Park as well as the shops, pubs and other amenities when you need a break from the city life as well as being a place for me to reminisce my hometown in the countryside of Suffolk. The City is equidistant for the hustle of the working and a more energetic social life. 

It offers a great mix of green spaces, bars, restaurants, gyms, sports clubs, and more. The Thames Path is also fantastic for a walk or run at any time of day.

How did you find this property?

My circumstances changed, and I needed to move from a private rental. Given my work in real estate, particularly in commercial, retail, multifamily, and co-living spaces, I was already familiar with the concept of co-living, but Folk exceeded my expectations and I felt it was the perfect fit.

As a digital nomad, the location, team, amenities, and all-inclusive monthly payment (with no upfront deposit required) were key factors.

I also wanted more than just a place to live. I was looking to be part of a community that positively impacts the local area while enriching the lives of residents.

How have you made this place feel like home? 

I have chosen to get really involved with the community and other residents here at Folk which has been the standout aspect in helping me feel at home.

The building has such a strong sense of community and I have made great friends. The staff are always supportive, and the sense of belonging among residents makes living here truly special.

What would you like to have but don’t with this flat? 

While Folk already offers a lot, adding a small wellness spa, sauna, or steam room could further enhance the relaxation and wellness options here. Additionally, offering on-demand paid housekeeping or laundry services would be a convenient option for busy professionals.

I’d love to have a full-sized domestic oven in my own studio. While microwave ovens are convenient, they don’t offer the same efficiency or versatility for cooking.

Having a proper oven would make meal preparation more enjoyable and allow for a greater variety of home-cooked meals. However, I do have access to this via the shared kitchen. 

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

With my lease set to end in April 2025, I have no plans to move unless my career takes me outside of London or the UK.

Have you found it difficult to decorate when renting?

I tend to keep my decor minimal, however, we do have the freedom to personalise the space.

Do you feel like you have enough space?

The studios are thoughtfully designed with compact yet ample storage, which helps maximise the available space. However, one thing I do miss is a dedicated space for relaxation.

A small sofa or couch would make a big difference, providing a place to unwind that isn’t the bed.

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

Thankfully, any issues that arise are promptly handled by the maintenance team. We have easy access to support through a resident app or portal, and the team is always responsive.

This takes a lot of the stress out of managing typical household problems, ensuring that any concerns are quickly addressed. 

Shall we take a look around?

Do you have a story to share?

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