Britain's singles boom and the number of couples choosing not to have children could lead to a shortage of one bedroom homes, according to latest housing statistics published today.

The news comes after a survey of people searching the internet for rented property revealed that almost 50 per cent were looking for one bedroom homes.

The research was carried out by the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) site homes2rent.net, which allows landlords to post details of properties free of charge to ensure a wide range of information is available to tenants.

RLA chairman Martin Moylan said: "The statistics, which relate to searches made at the beginning of February, clearly show that the majority of people renting homes want small or one bedroom accommodation, which could lead to a shortage within the market."

The non-profit making organisation believes the site will soon begin to provide regular, definitive reports on housing needs across the UK.

Martin Moylan explained: "Homes2rent is free to landlords and tenants and the RLA is a non-profit making organisation so any information is completely unbiased. It will simply be a record of housing needs and requirements in this country.

"As more and more people use homes2rent we will be able to supply authoritative figures on everything from the types of homes in demand to the typical prices tenants can expect to pay for rented homes, region by region."

The first statistics from the organisation, which represents landlords who manage more than £1.2billion worth of property and 30,000 tenancies across the country, reveal the huge demand for one bedroom accommodation, as well as marked regional price differences.

Martin Moylan explained: "The data looks at the rents tenants are prepared to pay and reveal how those in London are looking for properties within the £500 to £1,000 mark while those in Northern England fall within the £200 a month price bracket.

"The figures also show how 50 per cent of tenants are looking for one bedroom while only about 20 per cent want three bedrooms.

"Demand for larger properties tends to come only from the student market which become active during term time."

Homes2rent was initially set up by the RLA because members felt there was a lack of information for landlords and tenants on the internet.

The site is helping to develop a marketplace where tenants can find property anywhere in the country free of charge while developing the free flow of information on what accommodation is available to rent within the private sector at any time.

The RLA, the country's leading voice in the private rented sector, has branches throughout the UK and holds regular meetings within 30 minutes drive of all members.

It also offers a comprehensive package of benefits which includes training programmes, an advice hot-line and a magazine, as well as deals on legal services and insurance and a free tenancy agreement which carries the Crystal Mark awarded by the Plain English Campaign.

The group operates a strict code of practice for members so tenants can be assured that RLA members strive to offer the best quality accommodation and service.

Mr Moylan went on: "Our site allows landlords to advertise free and tenants to get in touch free. We set it up to establish more and better choice for people looking for property to let and develop the residential marketplace.

"But it is also a tool which will allow the marketplace to access information about the private rented sector at any time so we can get a clear indication of the type of properties available and the average prices to rent."

ENDS February 2001