Finding somewhere to stay for a contract that runs eight weeks is a different problem to finding a home. You don't want a year-long tenancy, you don't want to live out of a suitcase in a budget hotel, and you need something close enough to site that the commute doesn't eat into your day.
Start with your actual dates, not a rough guess
Short-let operators price by the week, and availability tightens fast around school holidays and the start or end of common contract cycles. Once you have a confirmed start date, book as early as you reasonably can. Even a provisional hold is better than searching cold two weeks out.
Decide what "close to site" really means
A 20-minute walk sounds fine until it's raining in February with a full kit bag. Weigh public transport links and off-peak running times alongside straight-line distance, and check whether the area has one plausible route in or several. A single train line with no backup can turn a bad signal day into a missed shift.
Questions worth asking before you book
Is the rate fully inclusive of bills and wifi, or are they billed separately? What's the minimum stay, and is there a lower weekly rate if the contract extends? Is there parking, or somewhere secure to store tools overnight? Can the booking flex by a few days if the project overruns, and what's the cancellation policy if it's cut short?
Serviced accommodation vs. a private short let
Serviced accommodation usually costs more per week but includes cleaning, linen and a shorter minimum stay, which suits a contract of a few weeks. A private short let is often cheaper for a booking of two months or more, but expect a longer minimum term and less flexibility if your dates shift.
If you're weighing that decision directly, our relocation desks can talk through what's realistic for your budget and timeline before you commit to anything.