House Sitting in London (How to Get Started + Our Experience)

In 2015, we discovered house-sitting for the first time while living in London. Like many Kiwis and Aussies, we had moved to the UK on a classic two-year visa adventure.

During our time there, a friend was house-sitting in Mayfair, staying in an incredible home and looking after a charming poodle. We were intrigued—we’d never even heard of house-sitting before!

With our visas nearing their end and our desire to keep traveling stronger than ever, house-sitting seemed the perfect way to explore the world on a budget while caring for adorable pets.

Are you curious how we landed our very first house sit without any references? Check out our story!

Britt taking the dogs for a walk in one of the many parks in London!

How We Got Our First House Sit in London (Without References)

With no prior house sitting experience, we had to get creative!

Building References in London

With only a short time left on our visas, we began applying for house-sitting jobs around London to build up our references. The timing couldn’t have been better—it was just before the Christmas holiday season.

Perfect Timing: The Christmas Rush

Many Londoners escape the winter cold during this time and head to Europe for a warmer holiday. This creates a high demand for house sitters, and we quickly discover that even without references, homeowners are often open to accepting new sitters.

Showcasing Trustworthiness

To strengthen our applications, we used screenshots of our Airbnb reviews to demonstrate reliability and trustworthiness. We also signed up for platforms like Trusted House Sitters and Housecarers, created detailed profiles, and started applying for as many sits as possible.

Overcoming Questions from Homeowners

Since we were applying for house sits while living in London, some homeowners were curious: Why do house sit in the same city?
We explained that we were new to house sitting and eager to gain experience and build references. Homeowners loved our honesty and enthusiasm.

Securing Our First Assignments

Thanks to this approach, we secured our first house sitting assignments in London. It was the perfect start to an incredible journey!

The cat we cared for at our first house sit!

How to Find House-Sitting Jobs in London

When we first started house-sitting, we weren’t entirely sure where to begin. After some research, we found some fantastic websites to help us get started. Some focused on the UK, while others offered opportunities worldwide. Here’s what worked for us:

Trusted House Sitters

This was the first platform we signed up for, and honestly, it was our best decision. Trusted House Sitters has the largest number of assignments in the UK and internationally, making it a goldmine for anyone starting. We loved how easy it was to create a profile and browse listings. It’s super beginner-friendly, and most of the homeowners we connected with understood our lack of experience. If you’re just starting out, we can’t recommend this one enough!

Housecarers

Housecarers came in a close second for us. While it doesn’t have quite as many listings as Trusted House Sitters, the competition is noticeably lower. We found that this made securing some of our early assignments easier. Plus, the homeowners on this platform were generally very welcoming and open to new sitters like us. It felt like a great way to ease into house-sitting.

Other Platforms We Tried

• MindMyHouse: This was a good option for finding assignments outside the UK. We didn’t use it as much, but it seemed like a solid platform with reasonable membership fees.
• Nomador: We loved how this site offered a mix of short—and long-term stays. It’s especially popular in Europe, so it’s great if you’re planning to travel around the continent.

We also found some success in local Facebook groups. These groups were great for connecting with homeowners directly, and they often had last-minute opportunities that weren’t listed on the bigger platforms.

Tips for Success on These Platforms

1. Craft an Engaging Profile: Include your background, love for animals, and any relevant experience. Even if you’re new, highlight transferable skills like reliability and responsibility.
2. Leverage Reviews: If you don’t have house-sitting references yet, use reviews from Airbnb, landlords, or employers to establish trust.
3. Apply Early: Popular assignments can attract dozens of applicants. Keep an eye on new listings and apply promptly.
4. Communicate Clearly: Tailor your applications to each homeowner, addressing their needs and concerns.

House Sitting in Finsbury Park, London.

Our very first house sit in London was in the charming neighborhood of Finsbury Park, where we looked after a sweet little cat named Aria. It was the perfect start to our house-sitting journey!

We’ve always loved cats—Jay, in particular, grew up with them—so we couldn’t have asked for a better fit when this opportunity came along. The homeowners were heading away for 10 days over the Christmas and New Year period, and it felt like we’d just booked ourselves a cozy little holiday retreat.

Meeting the Homeowners

Before they left, the homeowners made sure we were completely comfortable. We met up with them a couple of times, during which they showed us around their lovely apartment and gave us plenty of time to bond with Aria. It was reassuring to connect with them beforehand, especially as this was our first house-sitting experience.

The homeowners were seasoned house sitters, making everything much smoother. They even had a thoughtful little welcome pack prepared for us. It included detailed instructions for caring for Aria, their indoor plants, and their apartment, along with helpful information about the Finsbury Park area.

Exploring Finsbury Park

Although we were already familiar with London, the homeowners’ recommendations were fantastic. They shared a list of their favorite local spots—quirky cafes, cozy pubs, and must-visit restaurants—which encouraged us to explore the area more deeply. It turned our first house sit into responsibility and mini adventure during our final months in London.

Settling In with Aria

Once the homeowners had left, we quickly settled into our temporary home and got to know Aria. She was an absolute sweetheart—playful, affectionate, and full of personality. She had a stash of toys that could rival a pet store and a massive cat play tower where she spent hours climbing and lounging.

We developed a little routine with her, which became the highlight of our days. Mornings were spent playing with her toys, afternoons involved plenty of cat cuddles, and evenings were reserved for her quiet time perched by the window, watching the world go by.

A Memorable Start

This first experience wasn’t just about house sitting—it felt like a blend of caring for a home, exploring a new corner of London, and bonding with a new furry friend. It gave us a sense of independence while allowing us to ease into the house-sitting lifestyle with a supportive and understanding family.

Looking back, we couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to house sitting. The Finsbury Park sit set the tone for an incredible journey, filled with adorable pets, cozy homes, and countless unforgettable moments.

Aria, the cat we cared for, took in the view of the park from the house sit.

Tips for House Sitting in London

London is one of the most sought-after destinations for house sitting. As a global tourist hub, it attracts travelers eager to experience its charm, and house-sitting is an excellent way to do so.

Fortunately, with such a large population (and many residents originally hailing from other parts of the UK or the world), there’s a constant demand for housesitters. However, competition can be fierce depending on the time of year—especially as the cost of living continues to rise.

But don’t worry! You can secure your own house in London with some flexibility and preparation. Here are our top tips to help you stand out and land that dream assignment:

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1. Don’t Be Too Picky

We all dream of the perfect house sit—a stunning flat in central London, an adorable pet, and ideal dates. However, not every opportunity will tick all the boxes.

To increase your chances, be open to making a few sacrifices. Maybe the location is slightly further out, the pet isn’t your favorite animal, or the dates aren’t exactly what you hoped for. Being flexible’ll increase your chances of finding a house sit and build valuable references for future assignments.

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2. Choose the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to house sitting in London. Some periods are much busier than others, with more opportunities available:

• Easter Holidays: Many families leave the city for a spring break.
• Summer School Holidays: The long school break means families head out for vacations.
• Christmas and New Year: This is one of the best times to find house sits, as countless Londoners escape the winter cold for warmer destinations.

These peak times often see a surge in available house sits, making them the best opportunities to secure an assignment.

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3. Use Multiple House Sitting Websites

London’s population is diverse, and homeowners often use different platforms to advertise their house-sitting needs. To maximize your chances, sign up for multiple house-sitting websites.

While the cost of multiple subscriptions can add up initially, it’s a worthwhile investment. Once you land a few assignments, the savings you’ll gain from free accommodation will quickly outweigh the cost of memberships. We found success with Trusted House Sitters and Housecarers, but it’s worth exploring other platforms too, like MindMyHouse and Nomador.

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4. Be Honest

Honesty is the cornerstone of house sitting. Homeowners appreciate sincerity, so be upfront about why you want to house sit in London. Maybe it’s to explore the city without the cost of accommodation, to care for animals, or to experience life in a new neighborhood.

You might be surprised how far honesty can take you. Many homeowners are happy to welcome sitters who are genuinely excited about the experience, even if they don’t have extensive references.

Have you ever house-sat in London or elsewhere in the UK? We would love to hear about your experiences!

Need Help Getting Started With House Sitting?

Have we got you excited about house-sitting in London or elsewhere? We love sharing our experiences and teaching others how to become housesitters and start their journeys. 

So, if you need help starting your house-sitting journey, see my resources here, and don’t hesitate to contact me and ask me any questions.