English Housing Survey reveals high satisfaction with rented homes
By Eitan Fox | Created on 12th August 2019
David Smith, policy director at the Residential Landlords Association, said: “Today’s English Housing Survey dispels the myth that private renting means insecure tenancies and ever-increasing costs
Most private sector tenants are satisfied with their accommodation, according to a major government survey. The English Housing Survey 2017/18 found that 84% of tenants in the sector are either satisfied or very satisfied with their rental homes.
The English Housing Survey is an annual profile of people’s housing circumstances. It looks at the condition of private sector housing as well as costs, affordability and energy efficiency. Launched in 1967, it is the longest running government study of its kind.
According to the report, 4.5 million households live in England’s private rented sector, which equates to 19% of all households. This compares to the 64% (14.8 million) who own their homes and 17% who live in social housing.
On average, the survey found that private renters spent 33% of their income on rent. This figure was higher for renters in London (42%). In comparison, owner occupiers spent an average of 17% of their household income on mortgages. However, the vast majority of private tenants (71%) said they found it easy or very easy to pay their rent.
The study also revealed that most people (72%), who had ended tenancies after less than three years, did so because they wanted to move. The reasons for moving were job related (18%), moving to a better neighbourhood (16%) and moving to a larger home (13%).
David Smith, policy director at the Residential Landlords Association, said: “Today’s English Housing Survey dispels the myth that private renting means insecure tenancies and ever-increasing costs. It shows that renters are spending less of their income on housing, at 33%, down from 34% the previous year and 36% in 2014/15 and are staying in their homes for over four years on average.
“As Ministers look at ending so called ‘no fault’ evictions the survey finds that the large majority of those who moved out of their home did so because they wanted to, either for work, a larger home or to move to a different area [72%] or because their tenancy had come to an end (8%). A further 10% moved on mutual agreement with their landlord.
“The majority of private renters also reported being satisfied with their current accommodation, higher than in the social rented sector.”
The report found that 76% of private renters paid a deposit at the start of their current tenancy. Of them, 73% said their money was protected in a government-backed tenancy deposit protection scheme. A fifth (20%) did not know whether their deposit was registered with a scheme.
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Eitan Fox
I started at Plaza Estates in 1986. Eleven years were spent successfully running the Marble Arch office. Subsequently, I was asked to take on the exciting challenge of running the Sales Department in our Knightsbridge office. I have built an experienced team with the ethos that local knowledge, hard work and professional service will always provide success to our clients. With ever changing technology of which Plaza Estates are at the cutting edge of, I have often been asked, with over 30 years in the business, how I retain my enthusiasm? I am delighted to say many of our multi million pound clients are genuinely my friends and I have a great passion for people. My staff and I never forget that this challenging industry ultimately is a 'Peoples Business'. Therefore I would welcome the opportunity to help you with your property needs and hope you will allow our fully equipped and motivated team to provide you with their professional assistance.
If you want 5-star reviews and want to remove negative reviews from Google, contact me via my profile; my contact details are listed there.
SM
Dear Eitan
In this whole sorry saga, with headbutting, unproactive lawyers, and a comatose estate agent etc etc, you have been a beacon of light throughout. Efficient, professional and responsive. This would never have got done without you.
Thank you.
All the best.
Maurice Shasha
We have been using Plaza Estates for many years for all our property requirements (sales, letting and management) and are delighted with the results and service they constantly deliver and provide!
KS
I generally dealt with the Marble Arch branch most of the time, but I can also say that the Knightsbridge office was also exceptionally helpful and professional on the occasions I did deal with them. Plaza Estates in general are excellent.
YZ
Have interacted with Plaza Estates across a couple of sites and always been impressed. Maurice must be the hardest working, most dedicated, helpful and knowledgeable account manager for any company anywhere! A real asset to the team!
LI
I have been a client of Plaza Estates for over 30 years and received excellent service. Both Rodney on the rental side and Fiona in the property management area have been have been attentive and helpful and always willing to go the extra mile on the few occasions when there were problems.
SA
Hope both of you are doing well. I wanted to thank you for always being there for us and for addressing our concerns promptly; safe to say you have been the best agents I have had the pleasure of interacting with.
KR
We have owned our Flat since 2008, which we purchased through Plaza. Our relationship with Plaza goes back to 1982 when we purchased a nearby flat and Plaza have handled all our lettings since then. I would have no hesitation in recommending Plaza - they will find you a good tenant and ensure your ...
MS
Thank you again for all your advice and calm attitude and charm. Nobody could try harder than you, and for which, we really thank you and appreciate it all, not just now, but over the years.
Thanks again for everything!
LT
Thank you for your kind help and your advice, it's been precious!
