In a recent study by Hargreaves Lansdown’s HL Savings & Resilience Barometer, striking disparities in financial resilience between renters and recent remortgagers have come to light. The findings shed light on the challenges faced by renters in maintaining financial stability amidst rising living costs and stagnant incomes.
Financial Resilience: A Tale of Two Tenures
According to the research, over two-thirds of renters exhibit poor financial resilience, contrasting starkly with only a quarter of remortgagers facing similar challenges. The data underscores the vulnerability of renters in weathering financial shocks compared to their homeowner counterparts.
The research reveals that a mere 43% of renters have sufficient emergency savings, in stark contrast to 71% of mortgagees and 87% of outright homeowners. Moreover, renters are left with an average of £193 at the end of the month, significantly less than the £353 and £398 left by mortgagees and outright owners, respectively.
The Income Disparity Dilemma
The financial strain on renters is further exacerbated by disparities in household incomes. With renter incomes averaging £31,617 per household, compared to £49,279 for outright owners and £57,818 for mortgagees, renters find themselves grappling with tighter budgets and limited resources for savings.
Retirement Prospects: A Cause for Concern
The study also delves into the retirement prospects of renters, revealing that only 18% are on track for a moderate retirement income, in contrast to 55% of mortgagees and 51% of outright owners. This highlights the long-term financial implications of renting, with renters facing significant hurdles in building adequate retirement savings.
Expert Insights: Addressing the Resilience Gap
Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, emphasizes the detrimental impact of renting on financial resilience. She points to the challenges posed by escalating rents and stagnant incomes, which erode renters’ ability to save and plan for the future effectively.
Coles advocates for a multi-faceted approach to enhance financial resilience among renters. Priority should be given to paying down expensive debts, followed by securing adequate protection through insurance and sick pay. Building emergency savings equivalent to 3-6 months’ worth of essential expenses is crucial, providing a financial safety net in times of need.
Looking Ahead: Empowering Renters for Financial Security
Despite the daunting financial landscape for renters, Coles offers practical advice for navigating these challenges. Drawing up a comprehensive budget, maximizing pension contributions, and exploring government schemes like the Lifetime ISA for aspiring homeowners are key steps towards financial empowerment.
In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the financial resilience gap between renters and homeowners. By equipping renters with the tools and resources to bolster their financial security, policymakers and industry stakeholders can strive towards a more inclusive and equitable financial landscape.
