Flats to Rent in Brent

Flats to Rent in Brent

Looking for a vibrant, genuinely multicultural corner of London with excellent transport links, diverse neighbourhoods, and one of the capital's most exciting regeneration stories? The London Borough of Brent offers an extraordinary range of rental options, from the gleaming new towers of Wembley Park to the Victorian terraces of Queen's Park, from the creative energy of Kensal Rise to the affordable streets of Harlesden. Home to the iconic Wembley Stadium and Arena, Brent draws 16 million visitors annually while housing one of London's most diverse residential populations.

Whether you're a young professional seeking the buzz of Northwest London's trendiest neighbourhoods, a family wanting good schools and green spaces at reasonable prices, or someone drawn to London's most multicultural communities where over 150 languages are spoken, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about renting in this dynamic borough.

About Brent

The London Borough of Brent stretches across Northwest London, covering approximately 43 square kilometres and ranking as the 5th largest borough by population with around 345,000 residents. The borough encompasses remarkably diverse areas: inner-city neighbourhoods in the east around Kilburn and Harlesden, and more suburban Metroland developments in the west around Kingsbury and Kenton.

Brent holds a unique distinction as the most diverse locality in the UK by country of birth, with over 55% of residents born outside the UK—the highest proportion in England and Wales. Only 16% of residents identify as White British (the second lowest in London), while 85% come from ethnic minority backgrounds. The largest single ethnic group is Indian (17.3%), followed by White Other (16.2%), reflecting the borough's significant South Asian, Irish, Brazilian, Afro-Caribbean, Romanian, Polish, and Somali communities.

This extraordinary diversity is reflected in daily life: around 150 different languages are spoken in Brent, with Gujarati being the most common after English (23,500 speakers), followed by Polish, Arabic, and Portuguese. The borough has the highest proportion of Irish residents in Britain (4%), the largest Brazilian community in the UK, and one of London's largest Indian communities.

The borough's character varies dramatically between areas. The east features the Victorian terraces and urban energy of Kilburn and Queen's Park, while the northwest offers the 1930s Metroland suburbs of Kingsbury and Kenton. Central Wembley has been transformed by billions of pounds of regeneration into one of London's most dynamic new neighbourhoods. This variety means Brent accommodates vastly different lifestyles and budgets within a single borough.

Rental Market Overview

Brent's rental market presents an interesting picture for 2025. Notably, Brent was the only London borough where average rents actually fell—down 3.1% to around £1,999 per month—bucking the capital-wide trend of increases. The average monthly private rent was £1,923 in September 2025, representing an 8.9% decrease from £2,110 the previous year.

This unusual rental decline likely reflects the substantial new supply from Wembley Park's build-to-rent developments, which has increased choice for tenants in that area. Across property types, flats and maisonettes saw rents fall by 8.7%, while detached properties decreased by 9.6%.

Despite this moderation, Brent remains more affordable than the London average of £2,252, offering relatively good value given its excellent transport links and Zone 2-4 locations.

Property prices in Brent average around £561,000, with significant variation by area:

NW6 (Kilburn/Queen's Park): £710,333 average, £864 per sq ft—the borough's premium addresses
NW2 (Cricklewood): £616,086 average
NW10 (Willesden): £502,000 average
HA9 (Wembley Park): £528,000 average, 35.9% five-year growth—strongest in borough
HA0 (Wembley): £465,484 average—better value option
NW9 (Colindale border): £458,004 average—most affordable

For investors, NW9 (including areas bordering Colindale) delivers yields of 5.4%—remarkably high for Zone 2-3 locations. The combination of strong capital growth at Wembley Park (35.9% over five years) with improving yields makes Brent attractive for buy-to-let investors seeking both income and appreciation.

Popular Neighbourhoods

Brent's neighbourhoods span the full spectrum from affluent enclaves to affordable multicultural communities, each with distinct character and appeal.

Wembley Park

The transformation of Wembley Park represents one of London's most successful regeneration stories. Quintain's multi-billion-pound, 20-year masterplan has converted 85 acres of underused land and surface car parks surrounding Wembley Stadium into one of London's most dynamic new neighbourhoods, named one of the Best Places to Live 2025 by The Sunday Times.

To date, almost 6,000 homes have been delivered (a third affordable), with total consent for 8,500 homes. Upon completion in 2027, Wembley Park will be the UK's largest single-site Build-to-Rent development. Around 10,000 residents now call Wembley Park home, with numbers growing as further phases complete.

The area offers exceptional amenities: BOXPARK Wembley for street food and events, London Designer Outlet for shopping, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre for entertainment, and the borough's largest NHS GP surgery (opened 2024). A year-round calendar of multicultural events draws 16 million annual visitors.

Transport is excellent: Wembley Park station serves both Jubilee and Metropolitan lines, reaching Baker Street in 12 minutes. Modern apartments with amenities like gyms, concierges, and communal spaces define the rental offering, appealing to young professionals and couples seeking contemporary urban living.

Queen's Park

Described as "the jewel of North London," Queen's Park offers tree-lined streets, wide pavements, and fantastic Victorian buildings while remaining just 20 minutes from central London. The area shares borders with Westminster and sits in Zone 2, combining urban convenience with suburban tranquillity.

Property here is characterful and handsome: fine Victorian villas (some carved into apartments, some remaining as imposing family homes), generously sized period conversions, and new luxury developments like Queen's Park Place catering to phenomenal demand. Victorian terraced houses typically range from £1.2-1.8 million to buy, with properties closer to the park itself commanding premiums.

The rental market has seen strong growth—53.9% over five years—though this moderated to 3.2% in the year to September 2024. Residents describe a "community of educated, open, smart, cosmopolitan, international, diverse, youthful, caring, progressive people" with a "village feel" centred on the award-winning Sunday farmers' market.

Queen's Park station (Bakerloo line) and Kilburn Park station provide transport access. This is Brent's most expensive area, suiting affluent professionals and families seeking period character with excellent schools and community spirit.

Kilburn

Straddling the Brent/Camden border, Kilburn offers an urban, vibrant lifestyle with Victorian properties, a bustling high street, and excellent entertainment options. The area has historically been associated with London's Irish community but is now thoroughly multicultural.

Kilburn High Road provides extensive shopping, dining, and nightlife, while the Victorian housing stock—primarily terraced houses and converted flats—offers character at prices below neighbouring Queen's Park. NW6 (covering Kilburn and Queen's Park) commands £710,333 average property prices and £864 per square foot—Brent's highest.

Transport is strong: Kilburn station (Jubilee line), Kilburn Park (Bakerloo line), and Kilburn High Road (London Overground) provide multiple options. The area suits young professionals and creatives seeking urban energy, period accommodation, and excellent connectivity at relatively accessible prices.

Kensal Rise and Kensal Green

Often described as one of Northwest London's most desirable areas, Kensal Rise offers hip cafes, cosy pubs, and artsy vibes. The area was designated a Conservation Area in May 2024, protecting its architectural character.

Victorian terraces line quiet residential streets, while Chamberlayne Road provides an independent high street with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The creative, community-focused atmosphere attracts young professionals, artists, and families seeking character without Queen's Park prices.

Kensal Green station (Bakerloo line and London Overground) connects to central London. Kensal Green Cemetery, one of London's "Magnificent Seven" Victorian cemeteries, provides unexpected green space and historic interest. The area borders trendy Notting Hill, adding to its appeal.

Willesden Green

Ideal for those seeking affordable properties, cultural diversity, and excellent transport links, Willesden Green has emerged as one of Brent's most popular areas for young professionals. The area centres on a traditional high street with independent shops and restaurants.

The Willesden Green Library Centre provides community facilities, while Gladstone Park (35 hectares, Green Flag awarded) offers green space with panoramic London views from Dollis Hill. Victorian and Edwardian terraces provide family-sized accommodation at more accessible prices than areas further south.

Willesden Green station (Jubilee line) offers fast connections to central London and Canary Wharf. The area has seen significant investment and its Conservation Area was extended in 2024, recognising its architectural value.

Harlesden

Harlesden offers some of Brent's most affordable Victorian homes and flat conversions, making it attractive to budget-conscious renters priced out of neighbouring Kensal Rise or Queen's Park. The area is known for its strong Afro-Caribbean community, reflected in lively local events, cultural festivals, and diverse food options.

The High Street provides essential amenities, while the Harlesden Neighbourhood Forum (with an adopted neighbourhood plan) is working to improve the area. The Harlesden Conservation Area boundaries were extended in 2024.

Harlesden station (Bakerloo line and London Overground) and Willesden Junction provide transport options. Crime rates are higher than some Brent areas, but ongoing investment and community initiatives are driving improvement. The area suits renters prioritising affordability over polish.

Neasden and Kingsbury

The northwestern reaches of Brent offer a distinctly suburban character with 1930s Metroland housing—semi-detached houses with gardens at prices below inner London. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple), one of London's most remarkable buildings, draws visitors to this otherwise residential area.

Kingsbury has a significant South Asian community, reflected in restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions. Fryent Country Park (103 hectares) provides extensive countryside within London—the best surviving example of Middlesex countryside in the Brent basin.

Neasden station (Jubilee line) and Kingsbury station (Jubilee line) provide transport. These areas suit families seeking space, gardens, and affordability, accepting longer commutes in exchange for suburban character.

Alperton and Stonebridge

Alperton has seen significant regeneration with new residential developments transforming former industrial land. The Grand Union Canal runs through the area, providing waterside walking routes and a different character from Brent's urban neighbourhoods.

Stonebridge, adjacent to the Old Oak Common development area, stands to benefit significantly from the forthcoming HS2/Elizabeth line interchange. Currently one of Brent's more deprived wards, the area may see transformation as the transport hub develops.

Transport Links

Brent benefits from exceptional transport connectivity, with multiple Underground lines, London Overground services, and National Rail connections serving the borough.

Underground Lines

Jubilee Line: Serves Wembley Park, Neasden, Dollis Hill, Willesden Green, and Kilburn, providing fast connections to Baker Street (12 minutes from Wembley Park), Bond Street, Westminster, and Canary Wharf.

Metropolitan Line: Serves Wembley Park, providing connections to Baker Street, King's Cross, Liverpool Street, and stations into Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Bakerloo Line: Serves Wembley Central, Stonebridge Park, Harlesden, Willesden Junction, Kensal Green, Queen's Park, and Kilburn Park, connecting to Paddington, Oxford Circus, and Waterloo.

Piccadilly Line: Serves Alperton and Sudbury Town in the west of the borough.

London Overground

Multiple Overground lines serve Brent, including services from Euston to Watford, and the North London Line connecting to Stratford. Stations include Wembley Central, Harlesden, Willesden Junction, Kensal Rise, and Brondesbury.

Typical Commute Times

From Wembley Park: Baker Street 12 minutes, Bond Street 18 minutes, Canary Wharf 35 minutes
From Kilburn: Baker Street 8 minutes, Oxford Circus 15 minutes
From Willesden Green: Baker Street 10 minutes, Canary Wharf 30 minutes
From Wembley Central: Marylebone 12 minutes (Chiltern Railways)

Future Transport: Old Oak Common

The forthcoming Old Oak Common station will be transformative for southwest Brent. This 14-platform super-hub will connect HS2 high-speed services with the Elizabeth line and Great Western Main Line, serving an estimated 250,000 passengers daily.

The surrounding Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation area (spanning Brent, Ealing, and Hammersmith & Fulham) is designated for 25,500 new homes and 65,000 jobs. For Brent residents—particularly in Harlesden, Stonebridge, and areas near the A40—this represents a major future transport upgrade. The station is expected to open by 2028-2030.

Schools and Education

Brent has 23 Ofsted Outstanding-rated schools serving over 11,000 students, with options across primary, secondary, and faith-based education.

Outstanding Secondary Schools

Claremont High School: An Outstanding-rated secondary school achieving above national average results.

St Gregory's Catholic Science College: Outstanding-rated Catholic secondary school in Kenton.

Outstanding Primary Schools

Seven of the borough's 79 primary schools hold Outstanding ratings, including:

Mitchell Brook Primary School: Last inspected November 2021, maintaining Outstanding status.

St Robert Southwell Catholic Primary School: Located in Kingsbury, praised for "highly effective teaching."

Byron Court Primary School: Long-standing Outstanding rating.

Convent of Jesus and Mary RC Infant School: Outstanding Catholic school providing caring environment for ages 3-7.

Higher Education

The University of Westminster has a campus in Harrow (bordering Brent), while the area's diverse population includes many students and academics from London's various universities.

Parks and Green Spaces

Brent maintains more than 80 parks covering over 1,000 acres, ranging from formal Victorian gardens to genuine countryside.

Fryent Country Park

Together with Barn Hill Open Space, Fryent Country Park covers 103 hectares (254 acres) of rolling fields and small woods—the best surviving example of Middlesex countryside in the Brent basin. Designated a Local Nature Reserve, it holds Silver Gilt in London in Bloom's Country Park of the Year category.

The park supports over 800 species of wildlife including 80 recorded birds, 21 butterfly species, and 500 wild flowers, including the nationally rare narrow-leaved bitter-cress. Barn Hill rises to 86 metres with a fish pond at the summit and panoramic London views. Friends of Fryent Park and the Barn Hill Conservation Group actively maintain the area.

Gladstone Park

This 35-hectare formal park in Dollis Hill opened in 1901 and holds the Green Flag Award. The Friends of Gladstone Park organise wildlife walks, gardening, and community activities. Views from the park extend across London, and facilities include sports pitches, playgrounds, and a cafe.

Queen's Park

The park that gives the neighbourhood its name provides 30 acres of formal gardens, sports facilities, and community space in this affluent corner of the borough. The award-winning farmers' market operates on Sundays.

Welsh Harp (Brent Reservoir)

This large reservoir on the Brent/Barnet border is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its birdlife. Walking trails, sailing, and fishing provide recreational opportunities, while the surrounding area offers unexpected wilderness within London.

Other Green Spaces

Roundwood Park, Preston Park, Roe Green Park, and numerous smaller spaces serve local communities throughout the borough.

Major Regeneration Projects

Billions of pounds of investment are transforming Brent through several major programmes.

Wembley Park

Quintain's £2.9 billion masterplan has delivered almost 6,000 homes with consent for 8,500 total. The development will be the UK's largest Build-to-Rent neighbourhood upon completion in 2027. Recent milestones include the December 2024 refinancing of The Robinson (458 rental homes) with a £128.7 million green loan, demonstrating continued investment and sustainability commitment.

Beyond housing, the scheme has delivered BOXPARK, London Designer Outlet, Troubadour Theatre, extensive public realm, and community facilities including the borough's largest GP surgery. The transformation from car parks to thriving neighbourhood represents a model for London regeneration.

Old Oak Common and Park Royal

While primarily in neighbouring boroughs, the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation area borders Brent's Stonebridge and Harlesden wards. The development will deliver 25,500 homes, 65,000 jobs, and a major transport interchange. For Brent's most deprived areas, where average wages are around £18,000, this represents significant opportunity for employment and connectivity improvements.

Construction of the HS2 station is progressing, with the roof planned for 2025, high-speed platforms installed in 2025, and track installation in 2026.

Conservation Area Extensions

In 2024, Brent Council designated Kensal Rise as a Conservation Area and extended boundaries for Brondesbury, Harlesden, Mapesbury, Queen's Park, and Willesden Green Conservation Areas—protecting architectural heritage while the borough develops.

Safety and Crime

Brent's crime statistics require honest acknowledgment. The borough ranks among the top 10 most dangerous in London, with an overall crime rate of 82 per 1,000 people—2.1% higher than the London average. The annual total crime rate of 126 per thousand is rated as "medium" (6 out of 10) compared to other UK local authorities.

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime category with 10,225 offences in 2025 (26 per 1,000). Hotspots include Wembley, Harlesden, and Kilburn, with Stonebridge, Wembley Park, and Harlesden & Kensal Green wards showing highest rates in 2024. Knife crime is a particular concern.

However, context matters. The 10-year trend shows a decrease of 33 points in Brent's crime risk score, indicating long-term improvement. Recent reductions have been seen in Cricklewood & Mapesbury, Preston, and Queen's Park wards. A robbery reduction project launched in September 2024, funded by the Violence Reduction Unit, focuses on after-school period crime (3-6pm).

Renters should research specific neighbourhoods: Queen's Park and Brondesbury are considerably safer than Harlesden or Stonebridge. Modern developments like Wembley Park benefit from designed-in security features and active management.

Local Amenities and Attractions

Brent offers diverse amenities reflecting its varied neighbourhoods and multicultural population.

Entertainment: Wembley Stadium (90,000 capacity) hosts major football matches and concerts. The SSE Arena Wembley provides year-round entertainment. BOXPARK Wembley offers street food and events. Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre stages productions. The Broadway theatre tradition continues in various venues.

Shopping: London Designer Outlet at Wembley Park offers 60+ brands at discounted prices. Kilburn High Road provides traditional high street shopping. Queen's Park's independent boutiques cater to affluent locals. Brent Cross shopping centre sits on the Barnet border.

Cultural Attractions: The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple) is Europe's first traditional Hindu temple and an architectural marvel. Kensal Green Cemetery, one of the "Magnificent Seven" Victorian cemeteries, contains notable graves and Gothic architecture. The area's multicultural character creates diverse cultural events year-round.

Food and Drink: Brent's diversity translates to exceptional dining options: South Asian restaurants in Wembley and Kingsbury, Caribbean food in Harlesden, Irish pubs in Kilburn, trendy cafes in Queen's Park and Kensal Rise, and everything between. The Queen's Park farmers' market is among London's best.

Leisure: Over 1,000 acres of green space provide extensive outdoor recreation. The Grand Union Canal offers waterside walks. Multiple leisure centres serve the borough.

Who Should Rent in Brent?

Brent's extraordinary diversity means different neighbourhoods suit different profiles:

Young professionals: Wembley Park's modern build-to-rent apartments with amenities, excellent transport, and buzzing atmosphere suit those wanting contemporary urban living. Willesden Green and Kilburn offer more traditional options with character.

Creative types: Kensal Rise and Queen's Park's artistic, community-focused atmosphere attracts creatives seeking independent cafes, galleries, and like-minded neighbours.

Families on a budget: Kingsbury and Neasden offer suburban character, gardens, and good schools at prices below inner London. Fryent Country Park provides genuine countryside for children to explore.

Affluent families: Queen's Park offers exceptional period properties, top schools, and village atmosphere for those able to afford premium prices.

Those seeking diversity: Few places in the UK match Brent's multicultural character. For renters wanting genuine diversity—150 languages, communities from every continent, and the cultural richness that brings—Brent is unmatched.

Budget-conscious renters: Harlesden and parts of Wembley offer genuine affordability with decent transport links, though requiring acceptance of higher crime rates and less polished surroundings.

Why Rent in Brent?

Brent offers a compelling combination of factors for London renters:

Unmatched diversity: As the UK's most diverse locality by country of birth, Brent offers genuine multiculturalism—150 languages, communities from every continent, and the cultural richness in food, festivals, and daily life that this diversity creates.

Excellent transport: Four Underground lines (Jubilee, Metropolitan, Bakerloo, Piccadilly), London Overground services, and National Rail connections provide comprehensive coverage. Most of central London is accessible within 20-30 minutes.

Wembley regeneration: The transformation of Wembley Park into London's largest build-to-rent neighbourhood demonstrates successful regeneration, with modern apartments, amenities, and 16 million annual visitors creating genuine urban energy.

Future potential: Old Oak Common's HS2/Elizabeth line interchange will bring 250,000 daily passengers and 65,000 jobs to Brent's doorstep, potentially transforming currently deprived areas.

Range of options: From £700,000+ Victorian houses in Queen's Park to affordable flats in Neasden, Brent accommodates vastly different budgets and lifestyles.

Green space: Over 1,000 acres including genuine countryside at Fryent Country Park provides outdoor amenities unusual for inner/middle London.

Rent moderation: As the only London borough where rents fell in 2024, Brent offers relative value compared to the capital's relentless rental increases elsewhere.

While crime rates in some areas require careful neighbourhood selection and the borough lacks the prestigious reputation of some alternatives, for renters seeking diversity, connectivity, and variety at reasonable prices, Brent represents one of London's most interesting options.