Renting property affecting neighbourhood relations?

Posted: 22 Jun 2011 12:07:53 GMT

The UK could become a nation of street strangers due to the popularity of renting property, it has been suggested.

The increasing popularity of renting property, rather than buying, could be having an effect on the friendliness of neighbourhoods in the UK, a new survey has shown.

According to research carried out by HSBC, taken to coincide with Neighbourhood Watch Week, individuals who own their place of residence are more likely to share a good relationship with those who live close by.

The investigation revealed 28 per cent of renters have never introduced themselves to their neighbours, compared to just 12 per cent of homeowners.

In addition, only 39 per cent of those living in rented accommodation know the names of those living next door, an amount markedly lower than the 64 per cent of owners who are on first-name terms with their neighbours.

The news comes after a recent Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Residential Lettings Survey showed increasing demand for rental property is driving up the costs charged by landlords.
  

© Houseladder Ltd