International comparisons can provide useful pointers towards a sustainable private rented sector in England

The proportion of English homes rented privately has nearly doubled in the last 20 years, while the home ownership rate has fallen. Even so, it’s far more common for middle-income families to live in rented housing in many European countries. What accounts for the difference? Is it just cultural? Kath Scanlon discusses some of the lessons that can be drawn from making international comparisons in how to make private renting work better here in England.