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

Germany is not a renting paradise – in cities such as Berlin, rents have more than doubled in some areas since 2015. Photograph: Martin Divíšek/EPA

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”.