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TODAY'S OTHER NEWS

What are renters really looking for?

Whether you are about to acquire a new property or preparing to re-let an existing home, it is helpful to know what tenants are looking for when searching for a new house or flat. 

Different tenants understandably have different needs, but fresh research by Landbay has attempted to establish some common factors that appeal to renters in general. 

The study found that a home being pet-friendly is the most desirable attribute in a rental property, while unfurnished properties and those with access to a garden are also highly sought-after. 

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Some 2,000 private renters in the UK took part in the research, designed to offer insight to landlords on the wants and needs of their tenants, with almost one-in-seven - 14% - renters rating ‘pets being allowed in the property’ as their most important requirement. 

That figure nearly doubles in the North East (27%) but shrinks to just 3% of renters in London. Women are more than twice as likely (18%) as men (8%) to prioritise a pet-friendly property.

A property that is unfurnished ranks second, with 12% of renters saying this is the most desirable attribute. Perhaps tellingly, renters aged 55 and above (22%) are five times more likely to consider an unfurnished property as crucially important than those aged between 18 and 34 (4%.)

 

A garden was third, with 11% of renters rating outdoor space as their most important attribute. Parents (15%) are more than twice as likely to prioritise a garden compared to non-parents (7%.)

Off-street parking and the quality of a property’s décor came fourth and fifth respectively.

Deborah Mudway, a director at Landbay, said: “This will make interesting reading for landlords, who could be forgiven for believing little luxuries like a dishwasher, dryer and even a king-sized bed make all the difference for tenants. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

“Landbay is investing in a research series to help landlords understand tenants and opportunities within the private rental sector. This edition shows renters value two key attributes above all others that are fundamentally free to bring in. In short, they want to make their property feel like home by bringing both pets and their own furniture with them. The reality is, aside from a deeper clean at the end of a tenancy, this really isn’t hard for landlords to implement.

“Essentially, landlords knowing what renters want can make for a happier, more prosperous relationship which benefits both parties in the long run.”

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    If keeping pets is renters' number 1 priority, no wonder they can't save for a deposit to buy their own homes!

    Get priorities right - no pets, no costa lot coffees, no fancy (leased) cars, no foreign holidays - then deposit funds will grow surprisingly quickly.

    Keep a self-indulgent indolent lifestyle and keep renting - simples!

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    • 05 September 2019 09:46 AM

    Pets are a luxury that few can actually afford.
    Funny how those tenants on HB can always manage to have large dogs!!!

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    Maybe they'll eventually turn them into the fatted calf? But that would mean planning ahead!

     
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    I had them all dogs poo everywhere, hairs embedded in furniture that I had to throw away not to mention flea infestation that I had to get a Company in to deal with it. The Tenants were filthy enough themselves without any animals. Many thanks

  • Rosemary Flower

    Two points are seldom mentioned in the tenants with pets debate - animal welfare and consideration for neighbours. I'd like to be neither the animal, nor the neighbour.
    And.....beware the devious tenant who conceals their pet(s)!!!

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