“Our quality of life is so much better”

“We previously owned a property but went back to renting when our children were babies because we needed more space,” says 40-something Gemma, who runs a marcomms agency in Oxfordshire. “We were both self-employed at the time, so it was difficult, if not impossible, to secure a mortgage. Renting gave us the opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of a bigger property than we could have afforded without over stretching ourselves financially.

“We now live in a beautiful cottage with a huge garden in the countryside – a lifestyle and property we most likely couldn’t afford if we didn’t rent. We’re not completely ruling out buying in the future but we’re really quite content to continue renting. I had awful experiences of letting agents and landlords in my 20s, but I think having my fingers burnt back then taught me that, if you can, it’s better to have a tenancy agreement where you have a good relationship with the owners.

“I think there’s a lot of stigma in the UK around renting, which is such a shame. Our quality of life is so much better than when we owned our own home. I think if the stigma wasn’t there more people could lead a much more contented way of life.”

“Renting fits my character”

“I’ve rented ever since I left home at 17 and buying a house has just never been on my trajectory,” says 40-year-old website manager Maeve*. “Sure, there have been times when I’ve felt a twinge of jealousy over the stability I think my homeowning friends have (having to move home if the landlord decides to sell up is stressful). But I do not envy homeowners.

Renting a home isn’t a failure, so why do so many people see it that way?