Band 9: The chart below shows the percentage of households in owned and rented accommodation in England and Wales between 1918 and 2011. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

The chart illustrates the proportion of households living in owned and rented accommodation in England and Wales from 1918 to 2011.

In 1918, the vast majority of households, about 79%, lived in rented accommodation, while only 22% owned their homes. Over the following decades, home ownership gradually increased, whereas renting declined. By 1971, the proportions became equal, with both categories accounting for about 50% of households.

From 1971 to 2001, home ownership rose to its peak of approximately 69%, while the percentage of rented households dropped to around 31%. However, in the final decade, this trend slightly reversed, as home ownership fell to 64% in 2011, and renting increased to 36%.

Overall, the data reveals a significant long-term shift from renting to owning between 1918 and 2001, followed by a modest rise in renting in the final period. The most notable change occurred between 1918 and 1971, when the gap between the two types of accommodation closed entirely.