Tenants in the PRS do not feel trapped in rental homes and most would not have bought a property yet, even if they had the chance, new research reveals.

Only 17% of 2,000 renters quizzed in the survey commissioned by NRLA, said they would have purchased a home given the chance.

More than three quarters though said they do want to make the jump into property ownership in the future, according to the study written by ChamberlainWalker, an economics consultancy.

The survey found that 41% of private renters rated the affordability of their rents as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ with a further 38% rating it as ‘fair’.

Over one in three (37%) of renters were more likely to buy their first home if they had a secure job. This figure rose to exactly half among renters aged 18-34.

Want to stay

With a growing number of older people now reliant on the private rented sector, almost half (48%) of renters aged 55 and older said they wanted to stay in the sector.

The report also reveals that fewer than one in 10 (6%) of private renters want to switch to social rented housing.

For the vast majority of tenants their experience in rented housing is positive”

Ben Beadle (main pic), CEO at the NRLA (National Residential Landlords Association), says: “Today’s report makes clear the positive and vital role the rental market has to play in the economic and social life of the country.

“Contrary to the rhetoric from many, for the vast majority of tenants their experience in rented housing is positive. This is the platform the Government needs build upon to ensure a sector that works for renters and responsible landlords.”

Read the report in full.