Prefer to Rent

Prefer to Rent

“I prefer to rent…”

Generation Rent

Prefer to rent, or have to rent, “Generation Rent” is becoming a deliberate lifestyle choice, not just a second-rate alternative to buying.

Direct Line Insurance‘s research suggests that 70% of the 12 million UK renters have NO plans to purchase their own place.  Certainly, raising the required 5%-10% deposit can be a huge stumbling block.  However, it appears that Millennials, at least, have largely come to terms with this.

Most are now firmly committed to renting, which is good news for Landlords.  Not only does it keep the supply of Tenants, and therefore rents, high, but it also heralds the dawn of a “committed” Tenant – one who regards your property as his or her home.

This is a long-term commitment, and the Tenant has no plans to move on.  They have every intention of looking after the property as if it were their own.  Tenants will even go so far as to undertake redecoration and minor improvements as well as caring for the garden.   Consequently, tenancies are getting longer, providing greater security of tenure for Tenants.  Longer tenancies provide a more reliable investment yield for Landlords. Win-win!

I prefer a longer tenancy

The Government’s proposal to consider minimum three-year tenancy agreements is therefore well-timed.  As a result is appears very much in keeping with changing Tenant preferences.  We have always helped our Landlords with longer-than-6-month agreements, typically lasting around 12-18 months.

The average First Time Buyer is aged about 36.  Therefore, Tenants are just as likely to be in their thirties and forties, or be graduates or professionals.  This may account for the fact that we have recently seen an increase in the number of property investors preferring to purchase better located, better quality buy-to-let properties.

If you’d like any advice as to how best to appeal to “a committed tenant”, please feel free to contact our professional Lettings Team on 01273-735237 or email enquiries@callaways.co.uk.