Following on from yesterday’s post, the possibility of life-long renting is a harsh reality many of UK’s would be buyers are finding themselves in. Even if the mindset of ‘right to buy’ and the owner-occupier dream is deeply ingrained in our consciousness, the UK’s renters are finding themselves slowly, reluctantly coming round to the idea of renting a house or flat for life.
Perhaps if the UK seriously adopts a more legally secure approach for people to rent a property like that of our neighbours France and Germany, Britain’s reluctant renters would be eased more gently into letting go of the owner-occupier dream.
In 2007 in France and Germany, just 56% and 43% of properties were owned by their residents. Their legal systems support renting and renters, making renting flats or houses a perfectly reasonable, secure, flexible and therefore attractive option.
It’s pretty much a given that they can have pets, children, redecorate, put pictures up and generally make a home out of the building they rent. Many live in their rental properties for decades and they respect it as they would their own.
Could the UK adopt the continental way and make renting a more attractive option for the millions with no other choice?