44% of renters expect to rent for life, study finds
30% of tenants said they would prefer to live in social housing, up from 21% the previous year.
Three-quarters of renters want to buy a home, but 44% expect to rent for the rest of their lives, research from TDS Charitable Foundation found.
51% want to leave their current property but felt unable to move.
47% said they found it difficult to secure a suitable property during their last search.
30% of tenants said they would prefer to live in social housing, up from 21% the previous year.
This rose to 47% among renters aged 65 or over and 46% among tenants receiving benefits.
Social housing was also preferred by 39% of households with children and 35% of renters with a long-term health condition.
Dr Jennifer Harris, head of policy, research and social impact at The Dispute Service Group, said: “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.”
Harris added: “But the clearest message from the findings is the lack of choice many renters feel they have.
“Three quarters would like to own their own home, yet more than four in ten expect to rent for life, while over half would like to move from their current property but feel unable to do so.
“Reforms to improve renters’ experiences and rights are important, but ultimately we also need to address the shortage of housing options available to people.”
She said: “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.”
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