Helen Nugent

Counting the cost of becoming a nation of renters

Proof, if proof was needed, earlier this week that property prices in the capital are out of control. Research by Savills estate agents found that house prices in the London commuter belt increase by more than £3,000 for every minute the property is closer to the city by train.

What’s that you say? £3,000? Per minute? In the North of England that would buy you six months rent in an attractive suburb of a major city. Add into the equation that the average house price in inner London is £606,000, and house prices across the country continue to climb – the UK average is more than £212,000. No wonder then that we’re becoming a nation of renters.

Citizens Advice says that more than a million families are raising children in a privately-rented home, treble the number a decade ago.

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