ONE in three people would happily rent for the rest of their lives, according to a study by curtains and blinds company Hillarys.

More than 2,000 tenants were questioned and their average monthly rent was £650.

Just over half (52 per cent) said they were happy with renting, and one in three (35 per cent) said they were happy to continue.

When asked why, the following answers topped the list:

1. I am able to move about freely – 39 per cent

2. Property prices are far too high – 27 per cent

3. I like not having to worry about repairs – 14 per cent

4. I’m not sure I would want to live anywhere permanently – nine per cent

5. Buying a house is too stressful – six per cent.

Nearly two thirds of tenants (63 per cent) thought they should be given first right of refusal if landlords decided to sell.

Ninety-seven per cent believed renters' rights could be improved.