According to UK research a far greater number of couples without children rent privately than they do within the social sector. This could be because they are unable to secure social housing, or it could be that this particular segment of tenants is more transient and find private rental properties more appropriate for their needs. To explore further it is probably worth looking in a little more detail at some recent survey data to understand the demographics of household types in the rental sector.
Couples without dependent child (or children)
6% in the social sector, 28% in the private sector
Couples with dependent child (or children)
24% in the social sector, 7% in the private sector
Single parent with dependent child (or children)
44% in the social sector, 8% in the private sector
Other multiple person households
3% in the social sector, 27% in the private sector
One person households
23% in the social sector, 30% in the private sector
(Note that the above data is based on a UK survey of the rental sector for those below 30 years of age)
Looking at this data it would suggest that the dominant area for social housing is young people with children, conversely the private landlord sector is dominated by those without children. This view is further supported by the average tenure for rental properties, based on the view that those with children move home less frequently. Research data found on average tenure for the UK rental sector:
Private properties to rent
91% of properties rented for 3 years or less; 58% for one year or less.
Social sector properties to rent
64% of properties rented for 3 years or less; 29% for one year of less.
Going back to the original view that younger couples prefer to rent from the private rental sector, it is clear from research that younger couples are more dominant, however it would also appear that the private sector has a much lower average period of tenure. This could therefore suggest that the private sector provides greater support for transient population and workforce mobility. However questions should be asked about young families and whether the private sector can do more to provide longer term accommodation with adequate protection for both landlord and tenant.
