From Stopgap to Lifestyle Choice: The New Perception of Renting

For decades, renting in the UK was often viewed as a compromise – something temporary before moving on to the perceived stability of home ownership. Yet this long-standing view is now shifting rapidly, and at the heart of this transformation lies the Build to Rent (BTR) sector.

Renting is no longer simply a fallback. Increasingly, it is a lifestyle choice.

The Shift in Perception
Traditionally, the UK has been one of the most ownership-focused housing markets in Europe. Home ownership was seen as the ultimate goal, and renting was something you did only until you could afford to buy. But economic realities, demographic changes, and cultural shifts are rewriting this narrative.

For many younger professionals, mobility and flexibility are more important than ownership. For families, professionally managed rental homes provide long-term stability without the risks of mortgage commitments. For older renters, downsizing into a rental property offers convenience and community without the burdens of ownership.

Build to Rent: Raising the Standard
One of the driving forces behind this shift has been the rise of BTR. Unlike traditional private rental housing, which varies enormously in quality and consistency, BTR developments are designed with tenants in mind. Professionally managed, high-quality homes with reliable tenancy terms and amenities create an experience where renting feels like a positive, proactive choice.

As David Reed, Managing Director at Legal & General has put it: “It’s a high-calibre rental product – not something to be ashamed of.”

The Appeal of Community Living
BTR is also helping to redefine what “home” means. Developments often include shared spaces, from gardens and gyms to co-working facilities, helping to foster a sense of belonging and community. For many tenants, these features elevate renting from a transaction to a lifestyle.

Meeting Modern Tenant Expectations
Today’s tenants want more than four walls and a roof. They value service, flexibility, and security. They want clarity on bills, sustainable housing features, and the ability to put down roots if they choose. BTR delivers on these priorities.

The Investor Perspective
From an investment standpoint, this evolution is equally compelling. Demand for rental homes is rising, particularly among groups who see renting as a deliberate lifestyle choice rather than a necessity. That demand translates into long-term stability for investors – a reliable and growing market supported by strong tenant demand.

Renting in the UK is no longer something to apologise for. Thanks to the rise of Build to Rent, it is becoming a lifestyle of choice – one defined by quality, community, and flexibility. For tenants, it means better homes. For investors, it means reliable demand. For the housing market, it means a future where renting and ownership exist side by side, each serving the needs of a changing society.