The drop in UK home ownership has been a topic of concern for policymakers, economists, and the general public. Home ownership has traditionally been seen as a marker of financial stability and a long-term investment. However, in recent years, there has been a decline in the number of people owning their homes in the UK.
Home Ownership Figures
According to the English Housing Survey, the percentage of households that owned their home outright or with a mortgage fell from 65% in 2010 to 60% in 2018. The decline in home ownership has been most significant among younger age groups, with only 37% of 25-34-year-olds owning their home in 2018, compared to 57% in 2006.
The housing crisis in the UK is often cited as a primary reason for the drop in home ownership. The cost of buying a home has risen considerably in recent years, while wage growth has stagnated. As a result, many people simply cannot afford to buy a home, particularly in cities with high house prices.
Rise in Renting
The rise in renting has also been fueled by changes in lifestyle and attitudes towards home ownership. Many people are now opting for the flexibility and convenience of renting, particularly in cities where there is a high demand for rental properties. Renting allows people to move more frequently, and it also eliminates the financial burden and responsibility of owning a home.
The rise in renting also highlights an opportunity for landlords to capitalise on the higher competition. This more competitive element can also force tenants into worse living conditions which then hands over more power to landlords. This also leads to tenants accepting these porter living conditions and therefore less likely to pursue a housing disrepair claim.
Your landlord has a duty of care and if they are not taking your living conditions seriously, then you can explore a claim with National Claims today. Our team of claims specialists will be able to walk you through the claims process.
Do landlords have a duty of care?
Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rental properties are safe and habitable for tenants. This duty of care includes maintaining the property to a reasonable standard, ensuring that it is free from hazards, and providing adequate heating, ventilation, and sanitation.
Landlords are also required to conduct regular safety checks on gas and electrical appliances and installations, as well as ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working correctly.
Furthermore, landlords are responsible for carrying out repairs and maintenance promptly and addressing any issues that could pose a risk to the health or safety of tenants.
Conclusion
The drop in UK home ownership is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address. While the housing crisis is a significant factor, changes in lifestyle and attitudes towards home ownership have also played a role.
The UK government has introduced policies aimed at increasing home ownership, but there is a need for more action to address the root causes of the housing crisis and provide support for renters.
Landlords also have a responsibility to ensure that their rental properties are safe and habitable for tenants, and they must take their duty of care seriously.
Overall, addressing the issue of the drop in UK home ownership will require a collaborative effort from policymakers, landlords, and the general public to ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and secure housing.
Contact us at National Claims today to get started on your housing disrepair claim.
Note: You can only make a claim if you are currently living in social housing.
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