Bristol is a popular city, attracting people from diverse backgrounds and maintaining a creative, independent spirit. Known as one of the happiest cities in the UK, Bristol has a reputation for its excellent nightlife, arts and music scene. The city is also a regional hub for several major employers, making it a great place to start your career or move to the next stage.
Homeviews’ verified reviewers have provided their feedback on the best 1-bed flats to rent in Bristol. Take a look at our top five to learn what it’s like to live in this vibrant city.
Flats to rent in Bristol: 5 best buildings as rated by tenants
Read on to find out which developments offer the best 1-bed flats to rent in Bristol. We have used the reviews of verified residents to compile the list. Residents have visited Homeviews to give their feedback on their experience of living in the building.
Reviewers rate everything from design and facilities, to the management team, services, location and value for money. Take a look at the list to see the very best buildings for single-bedroom rental flats in Bristol.
*PLEASE NOTE these rankings take into account how many reviews a scheme has and how recently those reviews have been submitted, so may not match the overall star ratings shown. Buildings with a larger number of more recent reviews are given a greater weighting to reflect current building performance.
Renting in Bristol
With a population of around 450,000, Bristol is a small enough city to navigate with ease. Everything you need for everyday life is within easy reach. The centre has excellent shopping facilities, while the choice of bars, restaurants and clubs is extensive. Bristol has a reputation as a hub for the creative arts. You’ll find a variety of music venues, theatres, galleries and other cultural attractions in the city.
The city has plenty of historic architecture and picturesque scenery. There are numerous public parks and the famous landmark of the city, the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Bristol is well-connected for transport, with the M4 and M5 nearby and a superb train service from Temple Meads station.
There are numerous options for renters in Bristol, with a thriving private rental sector and a growing number of new rental-only developments. There has recently been plenty of development in Harbourside, Temple Meads, Finzels Reach and other city centre locations. New build to rent properties with superb facilities have become more and more prominent, providing renters with a wealth of options in the city.
As far as rental prices go, Bristol isn’t the cheapest city, but you still get value for money compared to London. The median monthly rent in Bristol is currently £1,600, according to Home.co.uk (October 2023). One-bedroom apartments go for an average monthly rent of £1,200.
What is Build to Rent?
Build to rent is one of the newest trends in the property sector. Build to rent properties are housing developments that are made to rent, rather than sell. Developments offer an alternative to the traditional private rental sector and are usually newly built apartment blocks or renovated buildings.
Build to rent apartments have some attractive benefits that the traditional rental sector doesn’t offer. Buildings often have on-site management teams, communal work spaces, gardens and terraces. Rental packages can also include perks like health clubs and spa facilities or concierge services.
Longer-term tenancies are more common with build to rent properties than traditional rentals. Some developments offer tenancy terms up to five years. While build to rent apartments may be more expensive, packages usually include extras that aren’t available to private renters. 1-bed flats to rent in Bristol remain in popular demand for both long and short tenancies.
Is Bristol a good place to live?
Bristol regularly challenges at the top of the charts for best places to live in the UK. In 2023, the city was among the top three happiest places to live and work in the UK. Other measures of quality of life support the argument that Bristol is one of, if not the best city live in the UK.
The city also has a wealth of wide-open green spaces on its doorstep. The charming villages and hills of The Cotswolds are within easy reach, while the picturesque Devon coastline and rolling Mendip Hills are also easily accessible. The city’s many cultural attractions make it a vibrant and energetic place.
Bristol’s rapid development, career opportunities and well-connected transport network make it a highly desirable place to live. It currently ranks as one of the most expensive cities to live in the UK, with property prices and living costs outpacing the national average. There are, however, more affordable parts of the city, with Bristol’s diversity ensuring there’s something to suit every budget.
Bristol rental prices
Renting in Bristol will set you back an average of £1,600 per calendar month. That’s according to November 2024 market data from Home.co.uk. One bedroom properties tend to be cheaper than average, with a median rate of £1,200 PCM. While not the cheapest place to live in the region, these rental rates compare favourably to London, with rent in Bristol on average 43.5% cheaper.
What do you think of our list of the best 1-bed flats to rent in Bristol? This bustling and vibrant city truly has something for everyone. If you’re considering a move to Bristol, click through to our dedicated area guide below. From there, you can read more about life in this popular city, and find even more great rental opportunities across the city.
HomeViews is the only independent review platform for residential developments in the UK. Prospective buyers and tenants use it to make an informed decision on where to live based on insights from carefully verified resident reviews. Part of Rightmove since February 2024, we’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to give residents a voice, recognise high performers and to help improve standards across the industry.
