Garage space is top of the tenant wish list for 2021

Some 21% of tenants in major UK cities want a rental home with a garage, making it the most in-demand of all rental property features, research from lettings and estate agent Benham and Reeves has found.

Gardens aren’t far behind (18%), while balconies also rank high, with demand at 16%.

Marc von Grundherr, director of Benham and Reeves, said: “The Covid inspired trend of more space hasn’t been confined to the homebuying sector and rental demand for gardens and balconies has soared since the first lockdown back in the spring of last year.

“However, with winter well and truly here and the third period of lockdown restrictions in full swing, some additional inside space in the form of a garage is top of the tenant wish list in the current market.

“This additional space enables tenants to carry on with their home workouts, or other hobbies acquired during the pandemic without the need to brave the cold temperatures and longer nights.

“Of course, an outdoor space also remains in high demand with many keeping an eye on the approaching spring and summer seasons. Although fingers crossed, we may have seen some form of normality return by this point.”

Pet-friendly properties are the wanted rental feature in Bristol, Plymouth, Southampton, Leicester, Swansea, Oxford and Bournemouth.

A concierge was the most in-demand feature in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, while furnished homes were most in-demand in Belfast.

Across London’s boroughs, a concierge, a balcony, a garage and garden ranked as the most wanted features for tenants, while furnished homes ranked top or joint top in Bexley, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Westminster.

Just Havering saw pet-friendly properties rank as the most-demand amongst the capital’s tenants.