The housing market has seen huge rises in house prices recently that it may be difficult for people to be able to buy their first home. The average age of people leaving home is also increasing. Many people are staying with their parents until they are well into their 20's, some even longer. The problem is that wages have not kept up with the rise in house prices, and people simply cannot find a way to get their foot onto the property ladder. The only option open for many potential first-time buyers is to rent an apartment or house, simply to have a place of their own. However, the rent for an apartment or house can vary dramatically, and it is important to weigh up all of the options.

The problems getting a mortgage are usually the main ones that drive people to rent an apartment or a house, but these are not the only factors. The job market is also a cause, as a growing number of people are forced to move to another area for work. Often their only option is to rent an apartment to begin with until they are certain that the job is right for them. Often people will put off trying to buy their own home for months, or even years if they are uncertain about their job future. Other people rent an apartment for their use during the working week and travel back home at weekends. This is particularly the case for construction workers, or truck drivers who are often at a location on a temporary basis. A growing number of families live this split life, simply so that the chief money earner can work when and where they are needed.

There are, of course, some people who rent an apartment or house for reasons that are totally unrelated to money. Holiday homes are popular for more wealthy people. These second homes can be rented out to other people when the owners are staying in their main residence. Coastal towns and villages are often full of holiday homes that are owned by people who live hundreds of miles away. This can cause problems for the local residents to be able to get their foot on the property ladder in the place that they were born, and leads to them having to rent property further away.