A studio flat in Wood Green, north London, has been listed for £1,150 per month, despite the bed being positioned within touching distance of the oven. The property, described as a “spacious self-contained studio” by letting agents Two Six Estates, is so small that the bed blocks the oven door from opening fully.
Property Details and Size Concerns
Images of the flat show a double bed pushed against one wall, immediately adjacent to the hob and oven. The room measures approximately 205 square feet (19 sqm), according to building plans—about the size of a single-car garage. This is nearly half the minimum floor area of 398 square feet required for new-build one-bedroom homes under government technical housing standards, though those standards do not apply to existing properties.
The front door at the foot of the bed has limited clearance, and a narrow gap between the bed and oven requires agility to navigate. The kitchenette, described as “compact,” includes a sink, cupboard, fridge, and washing machine, with one of two dining chairs reportedly obstructing the freezer door. The bathroom, advertised as en-suite, is located outside the main room and offers minimal space.
Rental Price and Market Context
The studio is listed at £1,150 per month, exceeding the average room rent of £941 for the postcode, according to SpareRoom. A deposit of £1,326 is required, and the property is available from July 6. The building was last sold for £760,000 in 2017.
Planning permission was granted in 2019 to convert the property into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) with five self-contained flats, accommodating up to nine occupants. The flats range from 205 to 355 square feet. The owner has applied for a certificate of lawful development, with a decision expected by the end of the month.
Criticism of Rental Conditions
Clara Collingwood, director of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, condemned the listing: “A grand a month for a bed in a kitchen is a sign of a broken system. It is unacceptable that this is the sort of home people on a good salary in London can expect for their money. Out of control rents are bad for the economy and they are bad for our mental health. The government needs to cap rents so people can afford to live proper lives in the city they work in.”
The listing agents have been contacted for comment.
