The benefits of long term living in serviced apartments
Living in London often means balancing a busy schedule with the need for a home that feels calm, reliable, and easy to settle into.
If you are planning a longer chapter in the city, whether for work, relocation, or simply a change of pace, you may be weighing up your options. A traditional tenancy can work well, but it often comes with extra admin, furnishing decisions, and a longer adjustment period. Hotels offer convenience, but they rarely feel like home after the first week.
That is why more people are choosing a long term stay in a serviced apartment. It offers the comfort of your own space, with the support and ease of professional management built in.
At Dolphin Square, we often speak to people who want somewhere that helps them settle quickly, without sacrificing flexibility or comfort. This guide walks through what it’s like to live in a serviced apartment long term, and what to expect if you are considering one in London.
The ‘sweet spot’ between hotels and traditional rentals
The easiest way to understand the benefit of a serviced apartment is to look at where it sits between its two main competitors. It fills a gap for those who need more than a suitcase-sized room but don't want the paperwork of a permanent move.
Avoiding "Hotel Fatigue"
While a hotel is great for a weekend, "hotel fatigue" is a real phenomenon for anyone staying longer than a week. Living out of a suitcase and eating out at restaurants for every meal quickly loses its charm.
Research from Savills points out that serviced apartments tend to be larger than the average hotel room, which matters more than you might think once you’re staying for weeks or months.
You can spread out and live in a more natural way: work at a table, switch off on the sofa, and cook when you do not want another meal out. That sense of having your own space and rhythm can make a long trip feel far more manageable.
Compared with traditional rentals: less admin, more support
A standard tenancy can offer stability, but it often comes with more responsibility. You may need to arrange furniture, manage repairs through landlords or agents, and handle utilities yourself.
In a serviced apartment, professional management is part of the package. Issues are dealt with quickly, and the building is designed to support residents day to day.
Research from Knight Frank’s Build to Rent Resident Experience Index shows that satisfaction is closely linked to the quality of management and amenities, not simply the apartment itself.
The flexibility of the "Missing Middle"
Traditional rentals often require a minimum twelve-month commitment, credit checks, and the headache of setting up utility bills. Serviced apartments occupy what the industry calls the "missing middle." These are stays ranging from 30 days to several months.
Unlike a traditional rental, everything is included in one price. You don't have to worry about WiFi setup, council tax, or electricity bills. It is a "plug and play" way of living. Furthermore, with the
Renters’ Rights Act introducing significant changes to the private rented sector, many of our residents find that the professional management of a serviced apartment provides much needed stability and clarity in a changing legal landscape.
What to expect from your new London home
A serviced apartment is designed to feel like a home from day one. You have your own kitchen, living space, and privacy, but you also benefit from services that remove many of the everyday hassles that come with moving.
If you are thinking about living in a serviced apartment long term, here are a few things worth knowing upfront.
It is a home, not a hotel room
The biggest difference is space and independence. A serviced apartment gives you room to live properly. You can cook, work, host friends, and settle into routines that feel normal.
According to research from Savills, amenity-led developments in prime London locations are continuing to outperform traditional rentals. This is because modern renters are prioritising flexibility and professionally managed environments over the uncertainty of private landlords.
The practical details are already handled
When you move into a serviced apartment, much of the set-up is done for you. Furnishings, utilities, and maintenance support are typically part of the arrangement, which makes the transition far smoother.
This is particularly valuable if you are relocating from abroad, starting a new role in London, or simply want to avoid the usual moving-day logistics.
Location as a lifestyle
If you are staying for months, your neighbourhood matters.
Pimlico is one of central London’s most liveable areas, offering a calm residential feel while still being close to Westminster and Victoria. It is well connected without feeling constantly hectic, which makes it ideal for longer-term living.
Making the most of apartment life in London
Living in a serviced apartment long-term gives you a unique advantage point. You aren't a tourist, but you aren't tied down by a mortgage either. It is the ultimate "try-before-you-buy" for different London neighbourhoods.
Finding your routine
The key to thriving in a long-term stay is establishing a routine. At Dolphin Square, our residents often start their morning with a session at the Fitness Club or a quiet walk through our 3.5 acres of private gardens. Because you have a full kitchen, you can shop at local markets like the one in Orange Square and maintain your health goals rather than relying on room service.
Professional peace of mind
There is something incredibly reassuring about having a 24-hour on-site team. If your dishwasher acts up at 9pm, you aren't chasing a landlord who's on holiday. Knight Frank’s Resident Experience Index confirms that "Management" and "Facilities" are the two biggest factors in how happy people are with their London homes.
Sustainable city living
Choosing a serviced apartment can actually be a greener way to live. By consolidating services like housekeeping and using professionally managed, energy-efficient buildings, you reduce your individual carbon footprint. Our ongoing restoration project at Dolphin Square is a prime example of this. We are integrating modern green technology into our historic fabric to ensure our residents live comfortably and responsibly.
Ready to start your London chapter?
Whether you are relocating for work, renovating your own home, or simply want to experience life in Pimlico, our long term stay serviced apartments provide the perfect base. You get the space you need, the service you want, and the flexibility that modern life demands.
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one bedroom apartments available for extended stays.
