Students face 'overwhelming' fear of trying to rent in 'scary' housing market for first time
A new report reveals high levels of anxiety and fear among students and young workers in the UK regarding entering the rental market for the first time due to a lack of financial education.
A recent report titled 'Understanding Renters in 2025' highlights the significant challenges faced by students and young professionals in the UK's rental market. The survey focused on individuals aged 16-30, revealing that a staggering 85 percent felt they received inadequate financial education during their schooling. This lack of preparation contributes to feelings of fear and overwhelm among this demographic when attempting to rent for the first time.
Many young people reported feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and worry as they navigate the complexities of renting. Specifically, 26 percent described themselves as overwhelmed, while 20 percent felt uncertain, and 19 percent anxious when considering rental options. Additionally, the report suggested that a considerable portion of young renters lacks crucial knowledge about available resources, such as depositless rental schemes or deposit protection schemes, with only 32 percent aware of the former and half unaware of the latter.
This situation not only underscores the urgent need for improved financial education in schools but also reflects broader issues within the housing market that disproportionately affect younger generations. As students and young professionals increasingly find themselves daunted by the prospect of renting, stakeholders are prompted to take a closer look at how to support this vulnerable group in achieving stable housing.