The bar graph illustrates the percentages of households living in owned and rented accommodation in England and Wales over nearly a century, from 1918 to 2011.
Overall, there was a dramatic shift in housing trends during this period, with home ownership becoming increasingly prevalent while renting declined significantly. By the end of the period, the proportion of homeowners had nearly tripled, far surpassing renters.
In 1918, renting was overwhelmingly more common, with approximately 77% of households in rented accommodation compared to just 23% owning their homes. This disparity remained substantial over the next few decades, although home ownership gradually increased. By 1961, the percentage of renters had decreased to around 58%, while homeowners had risen to about 42%. The year 1971 marked a pivotal point, as the proportions of renters and owners converged at roughly 50% each.
From 1981 onwards, a reversal in the housing landscape became evident. Home ownership continued its upward trajectory, reaching its peak of nearly 70% in 2001. Conversely, renting saw a consistent decline, dropping to its lowest point of approximately 30% in the same year. By 2011, there was a slight reversal of this trend, with ownership decreasing marginally to about 64% and renting increasing to 36%, possibly reflecting changing economic conditions or housing policies.