BBC Podcast: The Rental Crisis – a perfect storm

Buying a home can often be a big challenge – but in many areas it’s becoming increasingly tough just to rent somewhere. Official figures show that people in rural and coastal spots are being squeezed out of the rental market – because the pandemic has seen outsiders and holiday-makers snapping up properties in popular tourist destinations. In North Devon – there’s been a 22% increase in house prices. The Office for National Statistics says “rising house prices and private rents mean that some workers are at risk of being priced out of living in rural and coastal areas, contributing to skill shortages in the tourism and hospitality industries.” Cornwall and Torbay Councils have warned of what they say is a “perfect storm”. BBC reporter, Jon Kay, has been hearing about the challenges from one couple in Bideford – Sarah-Jane and her wife, Lauren. This is 5 Minutes On how the rental crisis is having a real impact on people’s lives.