More homes, more security.

More homes, more security Housing attitudes of younger private renters living in Leeds Prepared for

May 2024

“As someone living and working in Leeds, I strongly feel we must build more homes to keep our city vibrant and accessible for everyone.”

get cracking and build

Gabriel, 33 Private Renter Harehills, Leeds

Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

Part 1

Key findings

Over three quarters of younger private renters living in Leeds support building more homes in the City.

Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

73% of younger private renters are worried about being priced out of the area - more than double the rate of their counterparts in home ownership, and triple those in social rent.

Part 2

The best thing about living in Leeds

Leeds residents cherish their city for its diverse amenities, vibrant city centre, and strong community ties.

Easy access to shops, parks, and entertainment enhances daily life, while proximity to family and friends adds to the city's appeal.

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

A blend of urban excitement and rural tranquillity makes Leeds a beloved home for many.

get “I love cracking being close to my family and friends” and build Abbie, 34 Private Renter Hunslet, Leeds

Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

get cracking and build

“I've always felt a strong sense of belonging in Leeds; it's a great city that really fosters community spirit.”

Kelsey, 30 Private Renter Garforth, Leeds

Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

Part 3

Housing attitudes

77%

of private renters think we need to build more homes

Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

Do you think we need to build more homes in Leeds?

77%

92%

77%

71%

66%

All respondents

Home owners

Private renters

Social housing tenants

Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

Living with parents or friends

Why do younger renters favour building more homes in Leeds?

Concerns about the housing crisis Addressing affordability More homes for local people Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

“I'm priced out of Leeds due to high costs. Building homes in derelict areas could ease the crisis. Let's prioritise affordability.”

get cracking and build

Jade, 21 Private Renter Temple Newsham, Leeds

Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

“I appreciate Leeds' multicultural vibe, but high costs and housing shortage push me to move. Let's focus on affordable, spacious homes.“

get cracking and build

Hannah, 32 Private Renter Hunslet, Leeds

73%

of young private renters worry about being priced out of where they live Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

Do you worry about being priced out of where you live and forced to live somewhere else because housing is too expensive or rents too high?

79%

73% 37% 29%

All respondents

Home owners

23% Private renters

Social housing tenants

Living with parents or friends

Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

73%

of young private renters say their housing costs have increased over the last 12 months Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

Over the last year, have your housing costs (such as mortgage repayments, rents and Council Tax) changed?

74% 75%

73%

81%

45%

All respondents

Home owners

Private renters

Social housing tenants

Living with parents or friends

“As a single mum in Leeds, I've seen my council tax increase, yet my income hasn't kept pace, underscoring the urgent need for truly affordable housing.”

get cracking and build

Annabelle, 43 Private Renter Kirkstall, Leeds

Who do private renters think are responsible for delivering affordable housing in Leeds?

45%

The Government

30%

Local Councillors

14%

Other

Private developers

8%

Your Local MP

3%

Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

Almost four in ten said that they would forgo having children for a realistic chance of home ownership in the next five years Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

Over two thirds said that they are willing to give up social activities and foreign holidays to get on the housing ladder

What would private renters be willing to give up for a realistic chance of owning a home over the next five years?

Going abroad on holiday

70%

30%

Social activities (dinners/drinks)

68%

32%

Owning/leasing a vehicle

59%

41%

Streaming services

54%

46%

Educational or career investments

44%

56%

Saving for retirement

41%

59%

Health and wellness expenses

39%

61%

Having children

38%

62%

Yes, would be wiling to give up for a chance of owning a home in the next 5 years

No, would not be wiling to give up for a chance of owning a home in the next 5 years

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

Part 4

Recommendations

1

Policies should actively encourage

the building of more rented housing, particularly Build to Rent.

Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

2

More efforts should be made to involve young people and renters in the planning process and ensure their voices are heard Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

3

More support should be given to strengthen the security of tenure for renters living in the private sector Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

Part 5

About us

About us Shared Voice is a research and digital led communications agency which helps businesses engage and activate supportive audiences to achieve their goals.

We work with public bodies, local authorities, social housing providers and developers.

More information about Shared Voice is available here.

Methodology We held in-depth conversations with 354 Leeds residents aged between 18-44 years old, between 18-29 March 2024.

This report provides a breakdown of the views of those living in the private rented sector.

A copy of the full report called ‘Get cracking and build: housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds’ is available [here].

hello@sharedvoice.co.uk www.sharedvoice.co.uk