Two thirds of Brits now say renting is 'a lifestyle choice' - a new report reveals why

Nearly half of people surveyed said it does not matter if you own or rent your home

MORE than two-thirds of people say renting a home is a “lifestyle choice”, a report found. Nearly half believe when making a home it does not matter whether you rent or own. And more than one in three rent when they can afford to buy, with 60% liking the flexibility and 20% trying an area out.

Some 4.8million renters share with a housemate, the poll found, with 57% saying sharing means a better social life and 73% saying bills are cheaper. Manchester has the highest proportion of people who share, at 13%, while just 1% opt for sharing in rural Norwich.

Moneysupermarket.com said its Household Money Index showed attitudes to and behaviours around renting had changed dramatically. The site’s Kara Gammell said: “More people are renting than ever before and exploring housing options that suit their lifestyle and finances.

“Renting offers flexibility and choice, however, one thing remains constant: people want to keep living costs down where possible – particularly when it comes to bills. Nearly three quarters of people we surveyed said living with others helps make the cost of bills more manageable.

At MoneySuperMarket we help people compare and save money on bills, from flexible insurance options for renters sharing a property to broadband and mobiles. Our over 500,000 SuperSaveClub members are saving on their bills and earning extra cash rewards, discounts and cashback too.”