The most popular renting hotspots in England

1 in 5 people in the UK rents from a private landlord. That’s around 13 million people and nearly 5 million households. The numbers have been on a continuous increase since 2000. While the share was about 10% at the beginning of the noughties, it nearly doubled by 2017. In 2022, the percentage of households occupied by renters decreased minutely, but there’s nothing to indicate that the trend will change dramatically in the foreseeable future.

During the pandemic, renters were unfortunately forced to bear the brunt of rising inflation and climbing prices. Many found themselves unable to keep up with the expenses for basic expenses such as rent, food and utilities. In 2020, during the first months of the pandemic, many people found themselves utterly unprepared for the rapid price surge, and the number of those facing evictions rose. Renters accrued significant rent debt during the crisis, placing many in a vulnerable position financially-wise.

Nevertheless, renting remains the preferred housing option across the UK, with many individuals still unable to purchase their properties due to high prices in the real estate market. So, what are the most popular locations where you can rent a home in the UK? Let’s see what the people have to say.

Manchester

The first city in the world to become industrialised, Manchester became home to the world’s first railway line in 1830. It was the leading producer of textiles and cotton in the United Kingdom, and its warehouses and bustling streets have transformed lives across the country and the world. Nowadays, the city remains one of the most emblematic in England.

The city’s Metrolink is reliable and considerably cheaper compared to public transit options in London. The Manchester Airport offers direct flights to popular destinations across the globe. In a way, Manchester is the same as London, only about 40% cheaper than it. And these figures include everything, from rent to shopping and the costs of a night out. There are also many entertaining places, with restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and boutique stores all over the city.

Maidstone

The largest town in Kent, Maidstone, lies around 50 km southeast of London. The region is perfect for those who cannot stand significant temperature variations throughout the year. Generally, the town registers mild winters and relatively cool summers. The city is well-known for its local radio stations, including KMFM Maidstone. The Hazlitt Theatre and the Hermitage Millennium Amphitheatre offer a varied programme of well-established, professional drama performances and local theatre community groups.

Many local museums, including the Maidstone Museum & Art Gallery, host both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The extensive collection, numbering roughly 600,000 objects, includes archaeology, Japanese decorative arts, ancient Egyptian and local history pieces. The Kent Life museum is another interesting landmark. This open-air museum consists of a collection of old, traditional buildings, including houses and a village hall.

Before moving to the region, you should discuss with a locally-based Kent agency specialising in lettings. They’ll help you discover the best home for you, so you don’t have to create a strict budget and have little money to spare on anything else after finalising monthly rental payments.

Brighton

Located 76 km south of London, Brighton is a popular seaside resort. Brighton is one of the best alternatives if you work in the capital but don’t want to live there. There are nearly 400 trains that can take you to and from London, so commuting won’t ever be a problem. If you’ve never been to the city before, you must travel to the Lanes, a location renowned for its many shops, including vintage and antiques, restaurants and narrow alleyways that you can stroll through for hours.

Brighton is very popular with families, owing to its proximity to the coast and the sea. There are plenty of schooling options, and you’ll also feel a more robust community spirit compared to bigger cities. As for jobs, the area is known as a centre of arts and digital technology innovations.

Birmingham

The city of Birmingham has changed a lot over the years, becoming one of the most important hubs of city regeneration schemes not only in England or the UK but across Europe. Not many know that Birmingham is a veritable media centre. Since 2020, there have been plans to create a media village in the region owing to the area’s reputation as a highly sought-after filming location.

Major global corporations and enterprises have come to Birmingham or even selected it as its headquarters over the years, making it a city with high employment potential and opportunities. The city ranks high in terms of quality of life, significantly higher than much bigger cities such as Los Angeles, Shanghai, Rome or Dubai. Some claim that there are more miles of canals in Birmingham than in Venice, and there’s no shortage of greenery and open spaces to go on walks and enjoy the fresh air.

There are several Michelin-starred restaurants you can try, but you can also head down to a gastropub if you prefer an environment that’s a little more relaxed and casual. And, of course, there’s no shortage of cultural activities. In 2022, the city hosted the Commonwealth Games.

Bristol

A modern, metropolitan area where you’re never far away from the countryside or the sea. There’s a lot to do if you enjoy nature-watching, long walks or picnics. If you prefer going around on two wheels, many cycling options are available. One of the most important is the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. If you’ve never tried it before, it will be a bit of a challenge, as the distance is roughly 20 km.

The shopping scene is also incredible. The only risk here is that you’ll end up buying too much, with a perfect blend between high-end brands and vintage fashion. Culturally wise, the city is home to the Bristol Old Vic, one of the oldest continuously running theatres in the UK. Apart from the art galleries showcasing exhibitions from around the world, you can also enjoy the street art and murals Bristol has to offer.

Renting comes with its challenges, but if you research before choosing a place, you’ll see that it’s easy to find a home that fits your needs and requirements.

Cynthia Madison is a young blogger and economics and marketing graduate. She writes about home, lifestyle and family topics and is a senior contributor to popular niche publications.