30% of tenants in Scotland don’t aim to ever own a property

9:44 AM, 3rd May 2019, About 6 years ago 1

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A survey of people who rent privately has found that almost 30% of tenants in Scotland don’t aim to ever own a property.

The Tenant Research Survey, conducted by SafeDeposits Scotland ahead of its upcoming Tenant Conference, asked tenants about their experiences in the private rented sector and their expectations for the future.

Responses showed that as well as many not aiming to own property, 71% said they can see themselves renting for the foreseeable future.

It appears that the commonly portrayed tenant in the media – a millennial who can’t afford to buy – does not paint a true reflection of the private rented sector, as, according to the survey, 51.4% of respondents had been renting property for five or more years, with many having rented for ten or more years.

Over 60% of respondents were over the age of 40 and less than one-fifth were under the age of 30 – emphasizing the diversity of tenants who rent privately.

Victoria Smith, Chief Operating Officer of SafeDeposits Scotland, said “What this survey makes clear is that tenants cannot be characterised as a single group of people of a certain age, background or other profile.

“People of all ages and from all walks of life rent for a number of reasons. The responses the survey received revealed that some tenants rent because it works for their educational and professional needs and is flexible – not just because they can’t afford to buy as is a common generalisation.

“Of course, for some people, that is the case, but by no means for all.

“Whether tenancy is an active choice, a long-term or short-term necessity on the way to owning a property, it’s important that tenants understand their rights and responsibilities. The private rented sector in Scotland is diverse and growing. We want to help all parties in the sector to raise standards and ensure that it works for everyone.

“These survey responses and the interest shown in our Tenant Conference indicate that tenants are becoming increasingly engaged in the private rented sector.”

SafeDeposits Scotland’s upcoming Tenant Conference in Glasgow on 25 May is free to attend and will offer advice and guidance to tenants on how to navigate the private rented sector and enjoy successful tenancies.

SafeDeposits Scotland is Scotland’s leading deposit protection service. As well as this, it provides free dispute resolution for members and has a charitable foundation, which is a grant-giving body for projects and organisations which provide guidance and training for tenants, landlords and agents in the PRS.

Further information on the Tenant Conference can be found at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/safedeposits-scotland-tenant-conference-tickets-56032986170.

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Fed Up Landlord

10:10 AM, 4th May 2019, About 6 years ago

If this is replicated in England then there will be a lot of disappointed tenants as supply continues to dwindle (as landlords exit the sector as per the recent RLA survey) and demand increases. Section 24, stamp duty increases, tenant fee ban, and Section 21 abolition means that landlords are getting out. The mad scrabble for Generation Rent vote winning "policies" means that the exact opposite to helping those who rent will happen. And hidden in the recent voting figures will be the two million landlords who have been shafted by both Labour and Tory politicians. I just want to see Heather Wheeler MP get her just desserts and lose her 12000 majority come a general election.

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