People's attitudes towards renting are changing, and owning a home is becoming less of a priority for young people, according to a recent survey by the Halifax. Increasing numbers of people are unable to afford their own home, or are unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices to save for a deposit. The survey questioned 8000 people aged between 20 and 45 and almost half predicted that Britain would become a nation of renters within the next generation.

While this is extremely good news for landlords it is predicted to have several other consequences for Britain, as much of the country's wealth is currently tied up in housing. It could impact retirement living standards for some people, but on the other hand could be extremely good for the job market as people will be more able to move in search of work. It may not be such good news for the housing market as there would not be the necessary numbers of first time buyers to sustain a healthy market.

If we are to become a nation of renters then there have been suggestions that there needs to be a change in tenancy rights, as the rental sector is currently one of the most insecure in Europe. Some unscrupulous landlords use this to their advantage with an estimated two out of every five private rented homes being in a bad state of repair.