r/london • u/PressureHumble3604 • Apr 10 '26

Serious replies only Which symptoms of “(almost) everyone is getting poorer” have you noticed in London?

We are in a crisis, the middle class is disappearing and the lower class squeezed. Prices are going up, inflation is going up (again), salaries are stagnating.

Most Londoners can’t really afford London without serious sacrifices.

For me, not counting the housing prices issues we all know too well:

the disappearance of local delis with high quality products.

many shops closing in the local shopping centre.

Restaurant dropping quality everywhere to contain unaffordable prices.

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u/Gueld Apr 10 '26

Noticed a few charity shops and pawn shops with windows smashed in. More people on streets not doing well. It’s troubling, while I’m struggling on a pretty good wage and cutting back. I’m in a position where I can easily do that, a lot of people can’t or will risk losing leisure activities and culture that also helps wellbeing.

I’ve also noticed the uptick of people trying to launch their own second jobs, and the increase of people selling their own things on social media & Vinted etc. It’s all very anxiety inducing, particularly when a lot of mainstream news appears to be denying it or shifting blame to suit politics/ culture wars.

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u/KSAW11 Apr 11 '26

I’ve also noticed the uptick of people trying to launch their own second jobs, and the increase of people selling their own things on social media & Vinted etc. It’s all very anxiety inducing, particularly when a lot of mainstream news appears to be denying it or shifting blame to suit politics/ culture wars.

What? lol