A poll of over 1,300 renters by a flat share platform suggests that over half have been deterred from moving in recent times because of Covid safety worries.

Spareroom contacted 1,000 tenants and found that 53 per cent were put off moving due to the pandemic; the main reason for this was down to it not feeling safe to do so.

Other deterrents to moving were uncertainty about future plans, the tenant’s job being lost or furloughed, worry about viewings, or in two per cent of cases because the landlord cut the rent.
However, of those who were put off moving, some 54 per cent now plan to move within the next six months and a quarter plan to move in the next year – indicating confidence is rising and the market is starting to pick up again now restrictions are easing.

Not everyone feels this way though – some 14 per cent of those who put off moving still don’t feel safe to make this step yet.

“The pandemic has definitely put a lot of people’s moving plans on hold. For some this is due to health concerns and for others down to the financial implications the pandemic had on their lives. However, as the UK restrictions continue to ease, and we can finally see light at the end of the tunnel, people are planning ahead again” says Matt Hutchinson, SpareRoom director.

“We expect to see demand increase this quarter, but rents may take a little longer to recover. It will be interesting to see what happens over the coming months.”

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