ALMOST half of renters in the UK are now aged between 35 and 55. That’s the conclusion from a survey carried out by Knight Knox, which aimed to build a picture of the UK’s renters.

It commissioned OnePoll to carry out a survey of 2,000 UK tenants which found that a surprisingly high 47.8 per cent of renters are aged between 35 and 55 with the remainder aged 18-35. The average respondent has lived in three different rented properties during their adult life and 75 per of renters stayed in their rental properties for between one and five years.

Most renters, 63.8 per cent, live with their spouse or children with 31 per cent of that group aged between 35 and 55. The remainder live alone or with friend or housemates.

The cost of property was the main reason given for renting. 52 per cent of renters said they are currently living within the private rented sector, because they can’t afford a deposit. However, 60 per cent of those surveyed said they are happy to be renting, citing the fact that they don’t want to be tied down to a mortgage and that renting better suited their lifestyle.

According to Knight Knox, there is a clear north/south divide when it comes to renting. The average rent in the North is £512.75 per calendar month while in London is £749 per month. However across the board, the majority of tenants have resigned themselves to the fact that they are unlikely to ever be able to afford their own home.

When it comes to choosing a rental property the three most important factors for potential tenants were cited as location, affordability, the size of the property, and then amenities such as transport links and availability of parking.