London ranks as the no-smoking rental capital of Europe

Recently, Milan became the first major city to ban smoking within 30ft distance of other people at bus and tram stops, as well as in parks and green spaces, sporting venues, children’s play areas and even cemeteries.

With Covid causing all of us to think about our health and how our lifestyle could impact it, the latest research from the international rental marketplace, Spotahome, has revealed which cities rank as Europe’s no smoking rental hotspots for those looking for a healthier way of life.

Spotahome analysed rental market stock across 14 major European cities, looking at which was home to the highest and lowest percentage of properties that allowed smoking.

Believe it or not, the Big Smoke ranks as the best city for a smoke-free rental property. Of all the rental homes listed via Spotahome in London, just 7.2% of them allowed smoking within them. While it might seem hard to believe, smokers in the UK spark up an average of just two cigarettes per day, compared to an average of seven by those in Belgium.  

Berlin was the only other city to see smoking friendly rental properties account for less than 10% of rental stock, with just 8.5% of rental homes listed on the market allowing tenants to smoke within them.

Brussels (13.1%), Dublin (14.4%) and Madrid (17%) also rank as some of the best smoke-free rental hotspots for non-smoking tenants.

Despite the bold move to ban smoking in public, Milan sits mid-table with 18.6% of all rental properties allowing smoking.

For those who still like to light up, Valencia is the city to rent in. With 36.8% of all rental stock listed allowing smoking, the city is home to the highest percentage of smoking friendly rental properties.

Rome (31.4%) and Porto (29.1%) also ranked high in this respect.

Spotahome Head of Data and Analytics, Jorge Alonso, commented:

“Healthy living is becoming an increasingly important aspect of living within the rental sector, with many tailored developments now offering outlets such as gyms, pools and more in order to encourage such a lifestyle.

When it comes to smoking, it can be a topic that divides opinion and so living with likeminded people is a smart move to avoid any tension. It’s also important to respect a landlord’s wishes in this respect and if smoking inside is top of your list of rental property features, you need to ensure you find a property that allows you to do so.

Of course, our research shows that this is easier in some cities when compared to others and unfortunately for smokers in London, the city presents the toughest task at finding a smoking friendly property.”