There are myriad reasons why one might choose to rent a luxury home in London: perhaps you’re between properties and need something temporary, or you’re after a pied à terre that allows you to live the London lifestyle without the hassle of ownership. Perhaps you’re in the capital for a fixed term and want somewhere to make your stay sparkle.

At the upper end of this market, it’s all about making a rental house feel like a home. These properties are beautiful and privy to fantastic amenities, with not a ‘doer-upper’ in sight. Whether you’re a student, expat, fixed-term worker, or fall into any other of the many categories for whom renting is currently the right choice, read on for some of the hottest houses to rent in London.

Wildwood, NW11

Not listed online, this is one of those ‘if you know, you know’ properties (the agent has already received several short term enquiries from A-list celebrities filming in London). The most notable thing about it is its size: there are few homes of this stature that come onto the rental market. The location is also desirable, sequestered in the leafy Hampstead Garden suburb. An indoor pool, gym and sauna also number among the property’s perks.

£12,000 per week, arlingtonresidential.com

Onslow Gardens, SW7

One might not typically associate rentals with white stucco buildings from the 19th century. With this one, the attractive exterior contrasts with super-modern interiors, which have just undergone a refurbishment. The reception room has a feature fireplace, sash windows and views over the communal gardens (which tenants have access to). The adjoining kitchen has marble countertops, a breakfast bar and wine fridge. Finally, the home is situated in a quiet corner of South Kensington, with no through traffic.

£1,845 per week (long let)/£2,700 per week (short let), sothebysrealty.co.uk

Quebec Wharf, E8

This trendy east London pad – a converted granary – is located between Shoreditch and London Fields, and combines an industrial style with classic features. Despite being a one-bedroom, this property boasts 18ft ceilings and over 1,500 square feet of space; the ground floor is open plan, with a seating area looking out onto the courtyard. Other features include a built-in bookcase, concrete work surfaces and a wooden snug area. Floating stairs ascend to a reception room on the mezzanine floor and a sizable bedroom, as well as a suite of clever features such as a washing shoot direct to the laundry.

£880 per week, fyfemcdade.com

Alma, E1

As renting gains in popularity, and affordability is not necessarily the key driver, more and more ‘rental communities’ are popping up over London – Alma is one such community. Located moments from the City, in Aldgate, this ‘living experience’ comprises 159 studio, one-, two- and three- bedroom furnished and unfurnished homes, which come complete with amenities including a fitness studio, private dining space, screening room, communal lounges, co-working spaces, and an eighth floor roof terrace.

From £2,950 per month, alma-aldgate.co.uk

Princes Gate, SW7

If you’ve ever wondered what £54,116 per month gets you in London, wonder no more. This triplex apartment is designed and furnished to the highest standards. The ground floor is home to a double reception room with cavernous ceilings, which opens out onto a private terrace. There is a dedicated serving kitchen, the master bedroom boasts a dressing area, and a mezzanine study looks over the reception area. There are also three further double rooms (all with en suite bathrooms), a private cinema, a bar and a spa.

£54,166 per month, johndwood.co.uk

Peel Street, W8

This terraced house is classic, with an adorned fireplace, rich wooden floors and large windows. The two reception rooms, living area and three bedrooms, which stretch across 1,144 square feet, exude warmth, and the patio, accessed via French doors, is equally charming. This property also resides in one of London’s most sought-after areas, in the heart of Kensington – close of all of life’s amenities while still feeling peaceful.

£6,500 per month, knightfrank.com

Coppermaker Square, E20

As Stratford continues the upward ascent initiated by the 2012 Olympics, more trendy developments are popping up. One such development is Coppermaker Square, where apartments are built to cater to the needs of contemporary city-dwellers, from access to health and wellbeing facilities, including a pool, jacuzzi and gym, to membership to the Coppermaker Club. Members are privy to a club lounge, games space, private dining room, screening room, outdoor terrace, and roof garden, as well as a year-round programme of social events.

From £2,500 per month, coppermakersquare.com

Queen Anne’s Gate, SW1H

This five-bedroom, three-bathroom home boasts a prestigious location just moments from St. James's Park, spanning an eminently family-friendly 4,122 square feet. If it would suit you better, however, the lower level is perfectly set up to be a one-bedroom flat. The property has charm and character, boasting architectural details such as high ceilings, ornate mouldings, and large windows that fill the interior with natural light.

£21,667 per month, savills.com

Belmont Street, NW1

This loft-style apartment has an intriguing history: it’s set in an old piano factory in Camden, which, in its heyday, created pianos for Beethoven and Strauss. The building has since been converted into modern warehouse apartments with open-plan layouts and exceptionally high ceilings. Belmont Street is a quiet residential road set back from Camden High Street, moments away from the Round House, Camden Stables and other trendy amenities in the area.

£4,250 per week, andersonrose.co.uk

Read more: Amazing penthouses to rent and buy in London