Polling by a build-to-rent (BTR) landlord shows that 32% of those it canvassed who were between 18 and 24 years old said they ‘chose to rent’ rather than being compelled to by the housing market, while the figure was 31% for those between 25 and 34 years old.

The survey flies in the face of political fashion, which for years has assumed that tenants are unhappy renting and would much prefer to own a home, a point of view popular among Conservative thinktanks - although this backfired on the Tories as just 10% of renters voted for the party during the general election.

When UNCLE asked tenants why they had these views, both age groups said they liked the better transport and commuter links renting afforded, that BTR developments had a community feel and that renting overall meant they weren’t tied down to one location.

Flexibility

One young woman in Leeds told the poll that she was liked the BTR development she lived in because it was secure, had an on-site repairs team, a gym and in general preferred the flexibility of renting.

Ryan Prince, Founder of UNCLE, which has apartment blocks in Londonl Leeds and Manchester, says: “There are misconceptions when it comes to the cost and hassles of renting versus homeownership in the UK.

“Many people believe that owning a house is the obvious answer, but in fact the built-in perks, convenience and benefits of renting often outweigh the costs and hassles of buying a house and the uncertainty around mortgage rates.

“Our mission is to “take the ‘lord’ out of landlord” and provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming home for our residents.”

Main picture credit: UNCLE

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