Attitudes to renting are changing for the better in the UK according to new research released in our first RentPositive Report. 41% of UK adults surveyed* said their attitude toward renting was more positive than it used to be; this is particularly evident among younger tenants, where more than half of those aged 18-29 report a more positive outlook than they’ve had previously, indicating that future demand may be shaped as much by preference as by affordability.
An impressive 88% of all people surveyed said renting fits modern lifestyles better than it used to. Nearly one in three (30%) actively choose to rent because it suits their lifestyle, not because they have to, and 43% agreed renting works well for them at their current stage of life.
While affordability remains a key factor, the research shows that tenants are placing increasing importance on how renting supports their day-to-day lives. Location continues to be a primary benefit to renting over buying, with over half (56%) saying renting enables them to live in areas they would otherwise be unable to access.
Operational simplicity is also a clear advantage, with 54% highlighting the appeal of not having responsibility for maintenance and repairs.
Flexibility remains central to the offer, with 83% agreeing that renting provides more flexibility than buying, and 34% citing this as a key reason for remaining in the rental sector. For agents and landlords, this reinforces the importance of offering well-managed homes in desirable locations, alongside a straightforward and responsive rental experience.
The findings also highlight the role renting plays in widening access to housing, with nearly two-thirds (62%) of respondents saying they have rented a property they would not have been able to afford to buy.
At the same time, 30% say they cannot see themselves ever buying a home, suggesting a growing cohort of long-term renters within the market. This trend is not limited to younger tenants. 29% of those aged over 60 say they would prefer to rent rather than buy, pointing to demand across a broader demographic base than is often assumed.
Paul Foy, CEO of RentGuarantor, said: “In the UK, renting has often been considered second best; we’re a country of aspiring homeowners. However, with stepping onto the first rung of the housing ladder perhaps more challenging than it has ever been before, renting has become the reality for many people, and for the long term.
“There are numerous benefits that come with renting a property instead of owning one. This report was commissioned to better understand public perceptions of renting and whether sentiment is changing. We hope to balance the conversation and shine a spotlight on the happy renters of the UK, to help challenge the idea that renting isn’t only a back-up option, but often a lifestyle choice.”
