Renting no longer housing's ugly sister

Commenting on ARLA's Q4 2009 survey into the letting market in the UK, Simon Gordon, head of communications at the NLA, said: "These figures may show some tenants are reluctant to rent, but that doesn't reveal the true story. Renting is no longer the ugly sister of the property market. In fact, increasing numbers are attracted to renting, as a simpler, more flexible alternative to home ownership.

"Gone is the view that renting is the only option for those who can't afford to get on the property ladder. Nowadays there are property savvy renters who prefer not having to worry about home repairs or concerns about making ends meet with potentially volatile interest rates."