But if you want to boost your bottom line, consider renting by the room. This can work whether the home is your principal residence—meaning you live in the home—or if it's an investment property.

The process of finding somewhere to rent in the capital is like competing in the Hunger Games. It’s easy to lose your dignity ...

The advert, posted on SpareRoom, offers a reduced monthly rent of £400 a month (for only five days a week) for a room in Clapham in return for part-time childcare duties.

A little further out, you can get a room by Leyton Underground station for an average of £650, Walthamstow for £737 or Hendon ...