by Gabriela Yorgova and Lauren Spencer
Islington residents are worried that they will be forced to rent instead of purchasing a house amidst growing rent prices.
Local resident Maire Smith, 28, a government employee, said: “[Landlords] take offers and make you feel like you’re lucky to be renting… even though it costs half of your salary.
“It is a cause for concern, because then you can’t save money for a house. So, it’s a continual trap to be renting,” said Smith, who did not want to use her real name.
Earlier this month, the Mayor of London tweeted: “London’s rental crisis is spiralling”.
Rent prices during the first nine months of the year have gone up 22% since last year, according to data from Foxtons.
Emmanuel Kaweu, 62, a sales assistant at Pret a Manger, said: “We’re going to look at the end of the year and we won’t have any money. It will be bills, bills, debt, debt, debt. That’s what I’m worried about.”
Mr Kawei rents a single studio flat for himself.
He said: “I’m already £400 behind rent and the government helps me as well, because I work 20 hours a week. So, we’re going to be in January and nothing will have changed.”
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