Germany proves that private renting can work better than it does in Britain

Germans typically stay far longer in their rented homes, which are cheaper and have secure tenancies

When Bex Burch swapped the choppy world of private renting in the UK for a new life in Berlin, “it was a weight off my shoulders,” she said. After spells in at least 10 rentals in London and Brighton over 15 years – and two evictions – she discovered having somewhere to live need not be so stressful.

“I felt like instead of being just a renter while I am living here, this is my home,” said the 39-year-old musician. It was “a profound feeling”.