SOARING numbers of people are renting in Chelmsford, according to a new report.

The town has seen a large leap over the past 12 months, with a 48 per cent rise in those looking for an alternative to buying, says the Balgores Property Group.

Countywide, a 36 per cent increase has been recorded.

The boom is due to ever-rising house prices coupled with “affordable rent”, according to the estate agent.

A spokesman said: “The bottom line is that tenants face ever-rising house prices and stagnating wages, and the rental market provides good stable homes to live in.

“In fact, rental property now provides almost 50 per cent of the total housing stock in the UK.”

Renting in Basildon is up by 48 per cent, Upminster 40 per cent, Horn - church 35 per cent, Romford 15 per cent and Brentwood 12 per cent.

A sharp rise in the number of landlords registering rental properties has also been reported, up by 48 per cent in Basildon.

But while many are forced to rent, the estate agent maintains people choose to do so as a “lifestyle choice” .

The spokesman continued: “There’s a long-held view in the UK that people rent only because they have to, but for many, it is a lifestyle choice.

“Renting is less hassle and responsibility than buying.

“For example, if the boiler breaks down or the roof starts leaking, the landlord will get it fixed.”

Roy Whitehead, Chelmsford Council leader, believes recent building develop - ments, including Bond Street and various new restaurants, are partly respon - sible for the increase.

He also maintains a shortage in affordable housing is to blame.

He said: “We see the spike in renting because there is a shortage of start-up housing and people are struggling to get on the ladder.

“But it is also down to a lifestyle choice.

“People are choosing to live here because it’s a desirable place to live.”