What renters really want from a home

New research commissioned by landlord insurance provider Simply Business suggests renters are far more concerned with practical features than premium finishes when choosing a home.

For anyone who has spent time browsing property listings, that conclusion may come as a surprise. Designer kitchens, luxury bathrooms and high-end finishes are often presented as major selling points, yet the study indicates that many renters place greater value on the everyday details that affect how a home actually functions.

The room-by-room survey of UK renters found that practicality consistently outranks luxury when it comes to choosing where to live.

The kitchen essentials

The kitchen emerged as the room where functionality matters most.

Half of all renters (50%) said sufficient counter space was a priority, making it the most sought-after feature anywhere in the home. Storage followed at 41%, while natural light was important to 40%.

By contrast, some of the features frequently highlighted in property marketing attracted far less enthusiasm. Just 10% of renters said a kitchen island was a priority.

The findings suggest that while statement design features may photograph well, renters are often more concerned with whether they have enough space to prepare meals, store food and use the room comfortably on a daily basis.

Bathrooms that work

A similar pattern appeared in the bathroom.

Good ventilation ranked as the most important feature, selected by 41% of renters, closely followed by strong water pressure at 40%. A bathtub was important to 35%.

Modern fixtures, meanwhile, appealed to just 21% of respondents, while heated towel rails attracted 11% and heated flooring only 6%.

The results point to a simple conclusion: renters tend to notice how a bathroom performs more than how luxurious it appears.

A reliable shower and effective ventilation may ultimately contribute more to everyday satisfaction than expensive fittings or designer finishes.

Space remains a priority

Bedrooms produced some of the strongest responses in the survey.

Two-thirds of renters (67%) said they would not compromise on having enough space for a double bed, making it the single most important room-specific requirement recorded in the research.

Natural light ranked second at 46%, while built-in wardrobes appealed to 45%.

In living rooms, large windows topped the wish list at 43%, followed by space for a corner sofa (27%) and French doors or direct outdoor access (26%).

Taken together, the findings suggest that usable space and natural light continue to hold strong appeal, particularly as homes increasingly serve multiple purposes beyond simply being somewhere to sleep.

Different cities, different priorities

The national averages tell only part of the story.

The survey also revealed significant regional differences in what renters value.

In the South West, 68% of renters prioritise sufficient kitchen counter space, compared with 39% in the North East.

Natural light in the kitchen matters to 73% of renters in Norwich but only 20% in Cardiff.

One of the most striking contrasts concerns modern appliances. Nearly two-thirds of renters in Manchester (63%) consider them important, compared with just 13% in nearby Liverpool.

The findings suggest local housing markets, property types and lifestyles can all influence what renters look for in a home.

The value of outdoor space

When renters were asked which features they would be willing to pay more for, private outdoor space came out on top.

Nationally, 44% said they would pay a premium for a private garden.

Again, regional differences were pronounced. In Sheffield, 75% of renters said they would pay more for a garden, while only 25% said the same in Liverpool.

Parking ranked second nationally at 31%, followed by an en-suite bathroom (29%), a garage (24%) and a high energy-efficiency rating (21%).

Julie Fisher, UK Chief Executive at Simply Business, says the research demonstrates that making a property more appealing does not necessarily require major renovation projects.

For homeowners, renters and designers alike, the findings offer an interesting reminder that the features people value most are often the simplest ones. Natural light, storage, practical layouts and access to outdoor space may not generate the same excitement as luxury upgrades, but they are the details that shape how a home feels and functions every day.