Tenants expect to stay renting despite desire to buy

Two out of five tenants expect to continue renting for the rest of their lives despite most wanting to buy their own property, it has been revealed.

That’s the finding of new research involving more than 2,000 tenants in England, which revealed 75% would like to purchase a home and around half want to move within the rental sector.

Almost half said it was difficult to find a suitable property during their last search, pointing to a lack of choice in the market, according to the poll TDS Charitable Foundation survey. Tenancies are also becoming longer, with the average rental at 4.7 years, almost a year longer than a decade ago.

Wider range

Jennifer Harris, Head of Policy, Research and Social Impact at TDS (pictured), says: “Our research highlights just how much the private rented sector has changed.

“What was once a sector associated particularly with students and younger people is now home to a much wider range of households, many of whom expect to remain renters for the long term. It is important that housing policy keeps pace with that changing reality.”

“Reforms to improve renters’ experiences and rights are important, but ultimately we also need to address the shortage of housing options available to people. A significant programme of housebuilding across all tenures – including homes for ownership, private rent and social housing – will be essential if we are to give people genuine choice over where and how they live.”