Private renting has grown across every UK region over the last 40 years, but the scale and pace are often misunderstood. This graphic shows how uneven that growth has been, shaped largely by the decline in social housing. Understanding this shift helps explain today’s housing balance and the choices ahead.

Not every home that goes on the market ends up sold but knowing the reasons why can be the difference between “listed” and “sold”.

This map highlights the average size of homes sold across the UK since 2020, measured in square feet from completed sales. What stands out is how little the averages vary between regions, despite very different housing types. Northern Ireland is the clear exception, with noticeably larger homes on average.

This map highlights parts of Attleborough where many homes have spare bedrooms sitting unused. Extra space brings comfort and flexibility, but it also carries costs and questions about whether a home still fits its owner’s stage of life. Understanding where space is underused helps spark thoughtful conversations about future housing choices.