Freedom, flexibility and choice are paramount in lifestyle and technology decisions
Optus’ Renter of the Future report released today says that 2016 will see a new generation of tech-savvy renters who favour a lifestyle fuelled by freedom, flexibility and choice.
Australia has almost seven million renters who share an interest in technology and feel that just because they choose to live in a property they don’t own, it doesn’t mean they can’t live connected lives. In fact, access to the internet (31%) and a strong mobile phone signal (25%) are two of the most desired lifestyle features sought by Aussie renters.
There are two types of renters, both relying on technology in different ways. Choice Renters choose to rent because of the flexible lifestyle it affords while Forced Renters are those who say they’re forced to rent for various reasons. The former are highly digitally connected and early adopters of technology, while the latter are in touch with their technology needs and get the most out of their devices.
Ben White, Acting Managing Director, Marketing and Products at Optus said, “The Renter of the Future demands choice and uses technology as an essential platform to facilitate and enhance their on-the-go lifestyle. This group of people are savvy and make informed decisions that help them get the most out of their lives.
“Choice Renters move often so need technology solutions that don’t tie them to a property and help them set up quickly. A ‘plug and play’ internet solution like Optus’ Home Wireless Broadband means Australians living in a serviceable area can be back online in minutes, not weeks, when they move into their new rental property.”
Digitally connected
According to Optus’ Renter of the Future report, nearly a third (32 per cent) of renters said the most irritating thing about moving into a new rental is the time it takes to reconnect to the internet. With the average Aussie renter moving every 1.8 years, that’s a lot of down time while waiting to be reconnected.
Optus Home Wireless Broadband makes it easy for renters to hop online quickly. Unlike a fixed broadband connection, which can require a technician and generally takes a few days to set up, they simply pop an activated SIM card into the router, plug it in and power up. They can even take their connection with them if moving to a serviceable area.
The Choice Renter, in particular, is three times more likely to have more electronic and wireless devices and use online outsourcing services and food delivery apps. These renters have 33 per cent more smartphones, 45 per cent more tablets and 35 per cent more laptops that all require an internet connection than the average Aussie household.
In line with the transient behaviour of Choice Renters, it’s unsurprising that renters enjoy the ease and flexibility associated with renting, allowing them to change locations easily (38%), upsize or downsize as needed (24%) and travel for extended periods of time (18%).
Mark McCrindle, leading researcher and social commentator said, “Renters comprise nearly a third of Australian households. For the modern Aussie renter technology underpins and has become completely fused with their lifestyle. This group is among the first to jump onto new technologies, keeping abreast of the latest trends and, where possible, the latest devices. Accessing the internet quickly from their new rental property is a must for them.”
What type of renter are you?
Optus’ Renter of the Future report identifies four distinct Australian renter types based on their lifestyle and technology choices:
- Pragmatic home-seeker (44%) They feel like they’ve missed the boat when it comes to the real estate market, and now it might be too late to get started on a mortgage. They might have spent decades renting, or are renting again after being settled somewhere else. They’re more likely to use an internet connection to order takeout food than book a ride or rent out a room.
- Tech home-seeker (26%) They stay connected online and love keeping up with technology. They’ve been renting for a few years and would be keen to settle down if they could afford to buy a place in the area that they love.
- Techno lifestyler (18%) They’re on the move and like to stay with the times. Most likely Gen Y and have a Bachelor degree, they’re seriously digitally connected and probably working full-time. They’re keen to keep their options open and if this involved moving to a new place, they’d consider the opportunity.
- Pragmatic lifestyler (12%) They’ve been renting for quite some time and are happy to be doing so. They’ve chosen to focus on other things, rather than a mortgage, like investing elsewhere or staying up to date with the latest tech trends.
To see if your address is serviceable for an Optus Home Wireless Broadband plan, visit www.optus.com.au/homewireless.
Note to editors:
Commissioned by Optus, Renter of the Future is a McCrindle survey to 1,007 Australians renting in Australia’s capital and major cities, in field from 2 to 7 December 2015.
Media contact:
Optus Corporate Affairs
(02) 8082 7850
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