Singletons feel the squeeze on flats

SINGLETONS are struggling to find the perfect flat for one, as couples cram into smaller properties and split costs, fuelling the demand for one-bed properties.

With the number of one-person households on the increase, one letting agent claims there’s a real shortage of properties suitable for solo renters.

Latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show the number of people living alone in the UK has now risen to 29 per cent of all households. The cost of living a single life in 2011 also rose to more than £5,000 a year.*

William Jordan, managing director of residential lettings agency Jordan’s says more people than ever are enquiring about properties for one. He said:

“People looking to rent on their own have a real fight on their hands. They are often competing for the same one bedroom properties that couples with double incomes are. Couples are sharing a room but pooling the costs means they can afford to pay more, pushing the rental cost up and pushing those looking to rent on their own out of the market.

He adds:

“Some properties are clearly designed for one, they are tiny, but couples who can afford to be paying greater rent are squeezing into them – they can get a really good deal this way.

“People looking to rent on their own are often forced in to flat share arrangements – there just aren’t enough suitable properties available. We’re crying out for landlords with one bedroom properties as we’re desperate to have more on our books to help cater for the demand.”