Changing habits

Our rental habits are also changing, according to Winkworth. Unfurnished properties are becoming increasingly popular. Families, particularly from America, relocating to England would rather have their furniture shipped over at the expense of their employer and turn an empty house into their own home. They will pay upwards of pounds 1,000 a week for a central four-bedroom house. Landlords are also seeing the virtues of renting unfurnished because of the new, more stringent fire regulations, which all soft furnishings must meet - they have to pass a 'cigarette test.