Record levels of retirees paying rent according to Countrywide

June 12, 2017

According to the latest figures from Countrywide’s Monthly Letting Index retirees in Britain spent a record £3.7bn in rent in the last 12 months, an increase of 216% ( £1.2bn) paid by retirees ten years previous, it reveals that retired people make up 8% of all tenants.

The index reveals that London has the least number of retirees renting properties while Wales accounts for the biggest proportion of the population.

Johnny Morris, research director at Countrywide, said: “The rental market can no longer be typified by the image of carefree, young professionals. More than half of tenants are over 30 and the number of pensioners renting has reached record levels. With younger generations growing up much less likely to be homeowners, tenants are getting older with an ever more diverse group of people calling the rented sector home.

“Seven consecutive months of falling rents in the capital are starting to show signs of rippling out across the country with rents down in over half of regions outside London. The number of homes on the market remains well up on last years’ levels, softening rental growth.”

Countrywide Monthly Letting Index.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

Dolphin v Beauchamp Estates v Hudsons – Elite Apartment Rental Options in London SW1

London has long been known as a potpourri of diverse cultures, lending it a whimsical charm while being a major global hub. Renowned for its juxtaposition between modernity and royal heritage, it’s a unique blend of ancient landmarks and contemporary living. You’ll find avant-garde architecture sitting comfortably alongside historic streets and vibrant neighbourhoods. While the…
Read More →
Christmas Decorations - Good or Bad for Selling
Breaking News

Stay secure this Christmas: Home security tips for high-value homes

High value home insurance specialists, Stanhope, are warning homeowners to be especially careful this Christmas. “It’s a busy time for everyone, including burglars,” says Director, Matthew Ashton, who highlights why high value homes are particularly vulnerable and what to do about it. “High value homes are easy to identify thanks to tell-tale signs of wealth…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

Six months on: How the new anti money laundering regulations are reshaping the lettings market

Six months have passed since the anti-money laundering (AML) rules came into effect, bringing mandatory financial sanctions checks into every area of the lettings market. When the changes were first introduced, many landlords were surprised by the breadth and immediacy of the requirements. Half a year on, the sector is now seeing how the industry…
Read More →
Breaking News

Private rent and house prices, UK: December 2025

Main Points Average UK monthly private rents increased by 4.4%, to £1,366, in the 12 months to November 2025 (provisional estimate); this annual growth rate is down from 5.0% in the 12 months to October 2025. Average rents increased to £1,422 (4.4%) in England, £820 (6.1%) in Wales, and £1,012 (3.3%) in Scotland, in the…
Read More →
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 17/12/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X. How to get Proptechs from MVP to EXIT Reporter Zara S. Proptech has spent years trying to prove its relevance to the property industry. New platforms appear daily, capital flows in cycles, and “disruption” is promised more often than it is delivered. What is far less…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Why Real Estate Pros Should Care About the RoHS Directive in Smart Home Tech

Some of the tasks that real estate pros perform nowadays include negotiating and posting, and checking houses on property listings. You also have to deal with buyers who expect “smart-everything,” landlords who want long-term reliability, and tenants who care about safety and sustainability. In the middle of these expectations, there’s rohs directive. Why should you…
Read More →