Religion of household reference person: by tenure, April 2001, GB
Sikh, Jewish and Hindu households are the most likely to own their own homes. Around three-quarters or more of each group did so in Great Britain in 2001 (82 per cent, 77 per cent and 74 per cent respectively). Muslim and Buddhist households were the least likely to be homeowners (52 per cent and 54 per cent respectively).
Jewish and Christian households were the most likely to own their homes outright rather than be buying with a mortgage, at 40 per cent and 32 per cent respectively. Their older age profiles account for this to some extent, as they will have had more years to finish paying off their mortgages.
Muslim households are the most likely to be living in social rented accommodation, that is accommodation rented from the council or housing association. In 2001, 28 per cent of Muslim households were living in social rented accommodation. Hindu, Sikh and Jewish households were the groups least likely to be social renters – ranging between 8 and 9 per cent.
Buddhist households were the most likely to be living in private rented accommodation (24 per cent). A very small percentage of all households live rent-free (2 per cent), but Muslim households were twice as likely as other households to do so (4 per cent).
Households experiencing overcrowding: by religion of household reference person, April 2001, GB
Muslim households are the most likely to experience overcrowding. One third of Muslim households (32 per cent) lived in overcrowded accommodation in 2001, as did 22 per cent of Hindu and 19 per cent of Sikh households. Just 6 per cent of Christian households experienced overcrowding. The high proportions for Muslim, Sikh and Hindu households are, to some extent, a reflection of their large size. Their average sizes were 3.8, 3.6 and 3.2 people respectively, compared with 2.3 people among Christian and Jewish households.
Muslim households were the most likely to lack central heating (12 per cent). Hindu and Sikh households were among the least likely to lack this facility (4 per cent and 5 per cent respectively). Eight per cent of Christian households did not have central heating. These differences could be seen across all household types, including households with children and pensioner only households.
Buddhists and Muslim households were the most likely to lack sole access to a bathroom (2 and 1 per cent respectively) and to not have self-contained accommodation (1 per cent for each). Again, this was true for all household types.
This pattern of housing deprivation among the different religious groups was evident across all regions and all socio-economic groups. It was particularly marked among households that had never worked and those experiencing long-term unemployment.
Sources: Census, April 2001, Office for National Statistics Census, April 2001, General Register Office for Scotland
Notes: Social rented includes accommodation that is rented from a council (Local Authority, Scottish Homes, Northern Ireland Housing Executive) or a Housing association, Housing Co-operative, Charitable Trust, Non-profit housing company or registered social landlord.
Private rented includes accommodation that is rented from a private landlord or letting agency, employer of a household member, relative or friend of a household member, or other non social rented.
Overcrowding is measured by 'occupancy rating'. This relates the actual number of rooms to the number of rooms 'required' by the members of the household (based on a relationship between them and their ages). A household with a rating of -1 or less can be considered to be overcrowded.
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