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A renting Britain could be less neighbourly

Thursday, 23 June 2011 11:11 AM

The increase in the number of people renting rather than buying property could lead to Britain becoming a less neighbourly place, new research has suggested.

The study of 2,000 adults was commissioned by HSBC to coincide with Neighbourhood Watch Week and found that homeowners are far more likely to be friendly with their neighbours. It suggests that if we become a nation of renters, there will be more than just home ownership at stake.

Of those in rented accommodation, 28 per cent admitted they have never introduced themselves to their neighbours, compared with just 12 per cent of homeowners.

In addition, while almost two thirds (64 per cent) of homeowners know their neighbours’ names, the same applies to just 39 per cent of renters.

Almost half (49 per cent) of homeowners have been inside their neighbours’ homes compared to just 28 per cent of renters, while almost a third (32 per cent) of homeowners have lent something to their neighbours versus 19 per cent of renters.

The study also found that one in five homeowners had offered to help their neighbours while they are away by feeding pets, watering plants or clearing post, more than twice the proportion of renters (eight per cent).

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