Buying or Renting: Why Build to Rent Matters for the UK's Housing Future
- 04th Nov 26
For many people, owning a home is still the ultimate goal. There's something special about having a place to call your own, putting down roots and knowing the property belongs to you. But the reality is that buying isn't the right option for everyone, and it certainly isn't the only way to find a home that suits your lifestyle. As the Government explores new ways to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder, it's just as important to remember the millions of people who rent, whether through choice or circumstance.
A successful housing market isn't about choosing between buying and renting. It's about making sure people have access to good-quality homes, whatever stage of life they're at. That's where Build to Rent has an important role to play.
Helping more people take their first step onto the property ladder
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has unveiled plans for a new Help to Buy-style scheme, called 'Your First Home', designed to make buying a first home more achievable. The scheme aims to support people in England who have a regular income but struggle to save for a large deposit or don't have financial help from family. Under the proposals, eligible first-time buyers would receive a 20% equity loan towards a new-build home, with an initial interest-free period and a minimum deposit requirement of just 2.5%. For many aspiring homeowners, saving for a deposit is one of the biggest hurdles. So, initiatives that help make buying more accessible are certainly welcome.
But while helping people buy is important, we shouldn't lose sight of those who rent, or the role that good-quality rental homes play in the wider housing market.
Renting is becoming a long-term choice across Europe
The UK isn't alone in seeing changes in the way people think about homeownership.
Across Europe, renting is already a well-established way of life. The Forever Renter Global Index, which looked at housing trends across 39 OECD countries, found that Switzerland has the highest proportion of renters, at 61.2%, closely followed by Germany at 55.4%. In comparison, 30.7% of people in the UK rent their homes. These figures show that owning a property isn't necessarily the only measure of a successful housing market. In many countries, renting is simply a normal and accepted long-term choice.
Here in the UK, however, finding a rental home is becoming increasingly challenging.
According to Zoopla's September 2026 Rental Market Report, the number of homes available to rent is 3% lower than this time last year. The number of new properties coming onto the rental market has also fallen by 6%, while each available rental home now receives an average of 5.3 enquiries, the highest level in almost two years.
London is feeling the pressure particularly strongly, with fewer homes available, growing demand and rental prices increasing by 2.9%. For renters, this means more competition and fewer options. It also highlights why we need continued investment in new rental homes, alongside homes for sale.
Buying and renting: Why does it have to be one or the other?
Helping more people buy their first home is a positive step, but it raises an important question: are we doing enough to support people who rent? The two don't need to compete.
Some people are ready to buy, while others want the flexibility that renting can offer. Some simply aren't in a financial position to purchase a property, even if they would like to one day. For many, renting is a lifestyle choice rather than a stepping stone to homeownership.
There are also wider benefits to getting the balance right. London's Deputy Mayor for Housing has suggested that the proposed first-time buyer scheme could help stimulate the wider housing market and encourage more homes to be built, particularly in cities where they are needed most. Ultimately, we need a housing market that works for everyone. That means supporting people who want to buy while continuing to invest in high-quality rental homes, including Build to Rent.
Our housing needs change as our lives do
Think about how much life can change over the years. The home that suits you at 25 might not be right for you at 35 or 65.
Someone leaving university might rent their first flat while starting a career. A few years later, they may decide they're ready to buy. A couple who own a home might relocate for work and find that renting gives them the flexibility they need. A growing family might prefer a spacious rental home without the responsibilities that can come with ownership. For someone approaching retirement, renting could offer the opportunity to enjoy a simpler lifestyle without worrying about property maintenance or unexpected repair costs.
The point is that there's no single housing solution that works for everyone, all of the time. Having enough homes available is only part of the picture. People also want somewhere they can feel comfortable, secure and happy. They want properties that are well maintained, responsive management teams and communities that make everyday living easier. That's where Build to Rent, can make a real difference.
Making renting a positive experience
At Love to Rent, we believe renting should be recognised as a positive housing choice, not simply something people do until they can afford to buy.
Renters should have access to homes and communities that offer quality, comfort and a sense of belonging. They should also be able to make informed decisions about where they live and what they can expect from their rental experience.
Through initiatives such as our dedicated Love to Rent Week and the Build to Rent Awards, we aim to shine a spotlight on the benefits of professionally managed rental living.
The Love to Rent Awards, in particular, celebrate the developers, operators and communities that are making a real difference to residents. From innovative developments to excellent customer service and resident-focused management, they recognise the people and organisations helping to raise standards across the sector.
By showcasing the very best of Build to Rent, we hope to encourage more people to see renting differently and recognise what a great rental experience can look like.
Building a housing market with room for everyone
Helping more people achieve their dream of owning a home is undoubtedly important, but so is making sure that people who rent have access to good-quality homes and a positive living experience.
Not everyone wants to buy, and not everyone can. People's circumstances, priorities and aspirations change throughout their lives, and our housing market needs to reflect that. The UK needs more homes, more choice and better quality across all types of housing.
First-time buyer schemes can help people take their first step towards homeownership, while continued investment in Build to Rent can provide well-managed, high-quality homes for those who choose, or need, to rent.
It's not just about whether you buy or rent. It's about having somewhere you are happy to call home.