Corporate Housing

Corporate housing is a term used in the travel industry which means the renting out of a furnished apartment on a temporary basis to individuals, families or corporations as an alternative to staying in a hotel. According to the trade organisation, CHPA (Corporate Housing Providers Association), corporate housing was worth a considerable $2.5 billion in 2006. The corporate housing industry has clearly become a significant growth segment of the wider accommodation industry for the last 20 years.

Many large American corporations use temporary housing to house their employees when relocating. Typically employees get the use of a serviced apartment for up to 3 months, in which time they are expected to find a more permanent housing solution such as a long let. An example of the type of rates you can expect to pay in London can be seen with the Empire Square Apartments located near to London Bridge. A 24 hour concierge is on site and other extra services are available, such as dry cleaning, car park, childcare, maid service, and more. And for all this you can expect to pay from £125 for an executive style apartment that would comfortably sleep 2 people.

For the more budget conscious, the Paddington Court is a great option. Located just a few minutes away from Heathrow Express terminal (Paddington station) it provides a convenient location, with Paddington, Lancaster Gate, Bayswater, & Queensway stations all close by, giving you simple access to all central areas of London. And if you want to live in the most expensive part of london, otherwise known as Mayfair, you can't beat the style and opulence of the Ascott Mayfair Apartments. This Art Deco residence combines the comforts and facilities of home with a vast range of amenities and personalised services. Truly a luxury serviced residence. Mayfair is set roughly between Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly and Park Lane. Its in the beating heart of London and is definitely the most expensive property in London.

These days much business is conducted in the provinces and not just in London. There are various UK cities that provide corporate housing. Belfast apartments provide a very economical alternative to the city's expensive hotels. And serviced apartments in Milton Keynes are becoming more and more popular due to the excellent transport network. And elsewhere on the outskirts of London, Reading apartments provide access to Reading itself as well as the M4 and Bristol.

All things considered, the attractions of corporate housing are hard to ignore, particularly for stays of over a week. Its clear to see why their popularity is growing so quickly.