How to Find Accommodation as a New Visa Holder is often one of the biggest hurdles for anyone arriving in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa. The move itself is exciting, but the reality of securing a place to live can feel daunting in an unfamiliar system. From navigating rental processes to adjusting to cultural differences around housing, the accommodation search quickly becomes a defining part of settling in. This housing guide for UK migrants sets the scene for understanding those first steps, helping new arrivals approach the challenge with confidence rather than confusion.
Legal and Policy Context for Skilled Worker Visa Holders
According to the UK government’s official guidance, a Skilled Worker visa lets individuals live and work in the UK under sponsorship from an approved employer, typically for up to five years, with the option to later apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
These holders are excluded from public funds, meaning they are ineligible for social housing or related benefits.
Why Social Housing Isn’t an Option?
Social housing is publicly funded and allocated based on need, availability, and residency criteria. As visa holders without access to public funds, Skilled Worker migrants are ineligible for this type of housing and must rely on the private rental market instead.
Private Renting – Your Primary Path
1. Essential Platforms
- Rightmove and Zoopla: The UK’s most extensive listing sites for private rentals.
- OpenRent: A landlord-to-tenant direct platform, ideal for quicker lets and transparent fees.
- SpareRoom: Very useful for finding flatshares, shared houses, or rooms in shared accommodations.
2. Tenant Eligibility & Right to Rent Checks
Landlords must conduct a “Right to Rent” check under the Immigration Act 2016, which involves verifying immigration documentation. Ensure you have your visa, Biometric Residence Permit, and Certificate of Sponsorship readily available.
3. Finding a Flatshare – A Budget-Friendly Alternative
Flatshares are cost-effective and great for social integration:
- Use SpareRoom, Roomster, or local Facebook groups to find share options.
- Expect to share facilities but gain flexibility in commitments and costs.
Guarantor Requirements & Credit Challenges
A lack of UK credit history can be problematic. Here’s what you can do:
- Offer a UK-based guarantor with a good credit score.
- Or, pay several months’ rent upfront to reassure landlords.
- Consider insurance-based guarantor services like Housing Hand or Homelet, which may help bypass traditional guarantor demands.
Step-by-Step: Searching for Accommodation
- Get Prepared
- Gather documentation: visa, passport, CoS, sponsor’s contact details, UK bank account info.
- Search and View
- Use Rightmove, OpenRent, Zoopla, SpareRoom—filter by rent, location, availability.
- See properties in person or via virtual tour if you’re remote.
- Apply
- Fill forms, submit references (employer, past landlords), and pay the holding deposit if required.
- Sign Contract
- Thoroughly read contract (AST), confirm length (usually 6–12 months), notice periods, and deposit details.
- Your deposit is protected by a government-accredited scheme (DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS).
- Settle In
- Register with a GP, set up utilities, and council tax (skilled migrants usually pay full council tax unless exempt by age or circumstances).
Quick Tips for New Arrivals
- Budget Wisely: Aim to keep rent under 30–35% of your income.
- Join Expat & Local Groups: Many private lets are shared or posted in these networks.
- Start Early: View properties before arrival or ask your employer for temporary accommodation.
- Temporary Stay: Booking a short-term let (Airbnb, hostels) for the first weeks can ease the transition.
Sample Timeline for a New Arrival
| Week | Activity |
| 1–2 | Temporary stays; apply for national insurance and open a UK bank account |
| 2–3 | View properties online and in person |
| 3–4 | Submit application, pay deposit, sign contract |
| 4+ | Move in; set up utilities, local GP, council tax |
Final Thoughts!
This housing guide for UK migrants is designed to smooth those crucial early days in the UK, when the excitement of arrival is often matched by the stress of finding somewhere to live. While social housing isn’t available to visa holders, the private rental market offers plenty of opportunities — provided you understand the requirements, know which platforms to trust, and approach the process with a plan.
Remember, every city has its quirks: London’s rental market moves at lightning speed, Manchester offers a balance of affordability and culture, while Glasgow provides community warmth and growing professional opportunities. If you’d like tailored insights for specific cities, or even practical advice on temporary stays while you search for something permanent, Skilled Worker Mag is here to guide you every step of the way.
Finding your first home abroad is more than just signing a tenancy — it’s the start of your new life. Follow Skilled Worker Mag for trusted updates, guides, and practical tips that help you not only secure a roof over your head but also build a foundation for thriving in the UK.
