"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"
- Paul Foy - RentGuarantor
Attitudes toward renting in the UK are shifting, with a growing number of tenants choosing to rent by preference rather than necessity, according to new research from RentGuarantor.
The findings, published in the company's first RentPositive Report, show that 41% of UK adults surveyed said their attitude toward renting is more positive than it used to be.
Among younger respondents, the shift is even more pronounced: more than half of those aged 18 to 29 report a more positive outlook than previously, suggesting future rental demand may be shaped as much by preference as affordability.
An overwhelming 88% of all respondents said renting fits modern lifestyles better than it used to. Nearly one in three (30%) actively choose to rent because it suits their lifestyle rather than out of financial necessity, while 43% agreed renting works well for them at their current stage of life.
Location is the most commonly cited benefit, with 56% saying renting allows them to live in areas they would not otherwise be able to access. Operational simplicity also ranks highly, with 54% pointing to freedom from maintenance and repair responsibilities as a clear advantage.
Flexibility, meanwhile, remains central to renting's appeal: 83% agreed it offers more flexibility than buying, and 34% listed it as a primary reason for remaining in the sector.
The research also highlights renting's role in widening access to housing more broadly. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of respondents said they have rented a property they could not have afforded to buy, while 30% say they cannot see themselves ever purchasing a home, pointing to a growing long-term renter cohort within the market.
The trend extends beyond younger age groups. Among those aged over 60, 29% said they would prefer to rent rather than buy, indicating demand across a wider demographic than is often assumed. For landlords and agents, the findings reinforce the value of offering well-managed homes in desirable locations, backed by a responsive and straightforward rental experience.
Paul Foy, chief executive of RentGuarantor, said the report was commissioned to challenge longstanding assumptions about renting in the UK.
"In the UK, renting has often been considered second best; we're a country of aspiring homeowners," he said. "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."
