Ilford and Gants Hill are established residential areas in East London with strong transport links to the City and central London. They suit students who want straightforward commuting and practical day-to-day amenities, without the premium prices common in many inner-zone areas.
Typical zones: Ilford is in Zone 4. Gants Hill is in Zone 4 (Central line).
Transport: Elizabeth line (Ilford), Central line (Gants Hill), plus National Rail connections.
Travel: station-to-station examples are below (off-peak).
Feel: practical local centres with quieter residential streets nearby.
Who this area tends to suit
This area often suits students and interns who want reliable transport into central London, plus good everyday services nearby (supermarkets, pharmacies, gyms and local food options).
If you have very early starts, late finishes or accessibility needs, tell us in your application so we can advise on locations and transport routes.
Property prices (guide only)
Property prices in this part of East London are generally lower than many Zone 2 areas, but higher than the England average.
Apartments (flats): often in the £300,000–£450,000 range.
Family houses: often in the £450,000–£750,000 range.
These ranges are a broad guide for the area and can vary a lot by street, property type and proximity to transport.
Transport and commute examples
Ilford has Elizabeth line services with quick access to key central hubs. Gants Hill is on the Central line, which is useful for West End routes and City interchanges.
From Ilford to Liverpool Street: around 15–25 minutes (Elizabeth line).
From Ilford to Tottenham Court Road: around 25–35 minutes (Elizabeth line).
From Ilford to Canary Wharf: around 20–30 minutes (Elizabeth line).
From Gants Hill to Liverpool Street: around 20–30 minutes (Central line).
From Gants Hill to Oxford Circus: around 30–40 minutes (Central line).
Times vary by service pattern and destination. Allow extra time during peak travel periods.
Food and day-to-day living
Ilford town centre has a wide range of everyday services, plus plenty of places to eat. You’ll find a mix of South Asian and Middle Eastern options, alongside familiar high-street chains.
Gants Hill is more residential, with local cafés and takeaways (including Indian and Chinese options) and supermarkets nearby. Larger shopping areas with more choice are a short journey away.
Local highlights
Valentines Park – large green space for walks, running and outdoor time.
Valentines Mansion – a historic house inside the park, with exhibitions and events at certain times of year.
Redbridge Museum – local exhibitions and community events (good for a rainy-day visit).
Kenneth More Theatre – live theatre, comedy and cultural events (programme varies).
The Exchange (Ilford) – shopping, restaurants and practical day-to-day essentials.
Local character and evenings
Ilford is at its busiest around the town centre and station, particularly at commuter times and weekends. Many nearby streets in Ilford and Gants Hill are more residential, which suits students who prefer a calmer home base while staying well-connected.
FAQs
Is this area a good fit for students?
Yes — it can be a strong fit if you want fast links into central London and the City, plus practical local amenities.
Will I be able to get to central London easily?
Usually, yes. Ilford’s Elizabeth line services and Gants Hill’s Central line connections make it straightforward to reach major stations and central destinations.
Can you place me somewhere more residential?
Yes. Tell us if you prefer a more residential feel and we’ll advise on locations that tend to suit that preference.
Useful links
If you know your dates and your school or work location, you can apply for a homestay online. We usually respond within one to two working days.
“We have been working with London Homestays since 2011. With their support, we have managed to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. We strongly recommend London Homestays to anyone who’s looking for quality, reliability and exceptional customer service.”
Alex Fernandes, Accommodation & Visa Compliance Manager, Malvern House London
“Having worked with them since 2013, I can state that London Homestays have always taken care to match our students with suitable host families. They have a very friendly yet professional approach to their work. Our students have enjoyed staying at their homestays. Overall, students say that their host families are attentive and welcoming.”
Carl Roberton, Principal, Stafford House School of English
“We at Burlington School have worked with London Homestays since 2014, and I professionally know the team since 2009 when I worked for another company in the education and accommodation industry. Having had the opportunity to work with London Homestays since the company started operations in London, all of the enquiries have been dealt with in a dedicated and timely manner, the team members are customer-oriented and always provide an exceptional accommodation experience to our students. I have no hesitation to recommend London Homestays as excellent accommodation providers and business partners.”
Eliane Tomasi, Accommodation & Welfare Officer, Burlington School
“LSC Stanton has been working with London Homestays since 2011 and we are very pleased with the quality of accommodation and service they give to us. We have a good relationship with the team and they are always on hand to deal with any last-minute requests.”
Nick Bray, Managing Director, London Study Centre.
“Cooperation with London Homestays is always great! We highly appreciate proactive approach and effort to ensure the best possible services for our groups. We always had a great clean accommodation, friendly family and smart local organisers. Students of our groups were satisfied and they enjoyed staying in London very much. We would like to recommend this agency. The whole team is very kind.”
Miroslava Foltýnová, Owner, CK Bus Tours.
“We offer internships in London to European students and looked for a reliable partner to provide accommodation to our candidates. We have been very happy with the services provided by London Homestays, as have our candidates, as they have always received quickly information on families, the possibility to book a room in a short delay and also a good quality of families. I would recommend without any doubt this agency. The team is very professional, efficient and friendly :). We hope to send new trainees soon!”
Stéphanie Frassanito, Program Manager, Work Overseas
“Our school from the Czech Republic has had great experiences with London Homestays. The host families were generally welcoming, kind, and accommodating. The service provided by the coordinator Kate O’Connor and other admin staff is second to none.”
Kate Powers, Vice Principal for English Studies, Sunny Canadian International School
It was an amazing experience, I’ve found a new home where I feel as comfortable as I do in my own home!
Laura, student from France: Homestay booking in Zone 2
“When my children went off to university and got married, my husband and I were empty nesters rattling around. We have an empty bedroom and I quite enjoy keeping it fresh for new students who come to stay with us both short and long term. Invariably, they show us a lot of respect. Coming to London to study or to work as interns is a big adventure for them and I enjoy settling them in and seeing them flourish. Some return or recommend to their friends to come and stay with us. London Homestays are a great organisation to deal with – good at communicating and highly ethical.”
Cathy, Homestay host in Colindale, London
“My first student has just left to return home and I have thoroughly enjoyed hosting her. It has been a lovely experience for me to help her with her English and learn about her Japanese culture.
I was nervous and apprehensive at first but it was so worthwhile and I look forward to continue hosting in the future. It has given me a boost knowing that I can give someone an opportunity that they may not have been able to afford without using London Homestays”
Audrey, Homestay host in Tooting, London
My homestay host Debra transformed my stay into the most amazing experience of my whole life!
Florian, student from Belgium: Homestay booking in Zone 3
My homestay host is a lovely lady, she was very helpful and genuine. London Homestays offer an excellent, fast service and quality accommodation. I would definitely recommend to my friends!
Shelaine, student from Canada: Homestay booking in Zone 2
Daphne was a really nice and welcoming host, I really enjoyed my stay with her and her family. Thank you London Homestays for connecting me with her!
Ben, researcher from USA: Superior homestay booking
My stay with my host family makes my time at UK much more fun and exciting! Life is happening!
Bao, student from China: Homestay booking in Zone 4+
“Really, we are very happy with our room at the residence. James in the residences team has helped us with all aspects of our booking and we would like to say, big thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”
Dmitriy and Maria, two students from Russia: Residence booking
“I felt completely at ease and very comfortable with my host! She was really kind…many thanks!”
Doris, student from Italy: Superior homestay in Zone 2
“Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting (SCIC) has worked with Home from Home many times and they have provided a very professional service.”
Chan Sen, Director at Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting
“I highly recommend London Homestays! We have been working with them for a while now, and their professionalism and the quality of their homestays have always been exceptional. One of the homestays we collaborated with was so impressive that we even shared it on our YouTube channel to give our students a glimpse of the warm and welcoming environment they can expect. Thank you, London Homestays, for providing such amazing services. We look forward to continuing our partnership!”
Tuba Akca, Owner at Tubik Academy
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