In 2012-13, the private rented sector accounted for four million or 18% of households according to the English Housing Survey. A significant proportion considering the sector accounted for 10% of households throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

On the other hand, homeownership fell to its lowest level in 25 years in 2012-13 with the most significant fall since 2011 seen among those under the age of 44. Property price growth in the first half of the past decade combined with mortgage constraints in the last five years have contributed to the decline in homeownership among younger people.

Under 35s now account for just 9% of the country’s home owning population, down from 15% ten years ago, while in the private rented sector they now make up just over half of all households.

Taken from
Market in Minutes: Prime Lettings Q1 2014