Renting has changed: Why more people are choosing flexible living
- 11th Aug 26
For many years, renting was seen as a temporary step on the way to buying a home. But that’s changing. Today, more people are choosing to rent because it can offer something that traditional homeownership doesn’t always provide: flexibility. In fact, recent research from RentGuarantor found that 88% of people surveyed said renting fits their modern lifestyle, while 54% of 18-29 year olds said they feel positively about renting. So, what is changing the way we think about renting?
Renting around the way you live
Life doesn’t always follow a straight path. You might move for a new job, want to be closer to friends and family, relocate to a new city or simply decide that you’d rather have the freedom to move when your circumstances change. Renting can offer that flexibility. It can also open the door to living in locations where buying a property might not be financially realistic, giving renters the opportunity to enjoy the places and lifestyles they want without committing to a mortgage. And there can be another benefit: less responsibility for property maintenance. Instead of worrying about fixing a boiler, repairing a roof or maintaining communal areas, professionally managed rental homes can take care of many of those responsibilities for you.
Renting is about more than just a home
The rental experience itself is evolving too. The growth of Build to Rent has introduced a new approach to renting, with professionally managed communities designed around residents and their everyday lives.
Depending on where you live, that could mean having access to:
On-site gyms and fitness spaces
Co-working and flexible working areas
Outdoor and communal spaces
Resident events and activities
Opportunities to meet your neighbours
Professional property management and support
These features aren't simply extras. They can help create a stronger sense of community and make where you live feel like much more than an apartment. It’s about creating somewhere you can live, connect and feel at home.
But renting should be accessible too
As the rental market evolves, so does the profile of the modern renter. Students, graduates, young professionals, international residents, expats and people relocating for work may all be looking for a new home. But not everyone will have the same financial history or paperwork. For example, someone moving to the UK for their first job may not have a UK-based guarantor. A recent graduate may not have years of rental history. An international resident may have a strong income but not the traditional UK financial records that some application processes expect. That doesn't necessarily mean they wouldn't make a great tenant.
This is where solutions such as RentGuarantor can help eligible renters who don't have access to a traditional guarantor. By providing a UK guarantor solution, RentGuarantor can help remove one of the potential barriers to securing a rental home, while giving landlords and operators additional confidence throughout the application process.
Discover more with RentGuarantor today.
A better rental journey starts before move-in
Finding your next home should be an exciting experience, but the application process can sometimes feel like the opposite. Long forms, referencing requirements and uncertainty around whether your application will be accepted can create unnecessary stress; particularly if your circumstances don't fit the traditional renter profile. That’s why the experience matters from the very beginning. Clear information, efficient referencing and the right support can make the journey smoother, helping suitable renters move forward while giving housing providers the information they need to make informed decisions. Because customer care shouldn't start when you collect your keys. It should start when you begin searching.
Is renting becoming a lifestyle choice?
As buying a home becomes increasingly challenging for many people, renting is no longer necessarily viewed as simply a stepping stone towards homeownership. For some renters, it is becoming a genuine lifestyle choice.
The flexibility to move.
The convenience of professional management.
The opportunity to live in desirable locations.
The amenities and community that can come with Build to Rent.
The freedom to choose a home that fits your life today.
Of course, renting won't be the right choice for everyone. But as the sector continues to evolve, the idea of what it means to rent is changing too.
The future of renting
The modern rental experience is about more than simply providing somewhere to live. It’s about creating quality homes, better experiences and greater flexibility. At Love to Rent, we're helping renters discover professionally managed rental homes across the UK, making it easier to explore developments that offer something different from traditional renting. And with solutions such as RentGuarantor helping eligible renters overcome potential barriers around guarantors, the journey towards finding your next home can become more accessible too.
Because renting today isn't just about where you live. It’s about how you want to live.
Explore rental homes designed for modern living with Love to Rent.