Shared housing is being highlighted as a way of beating the demand for rented accommodation across the county.

Recent reports have suggested as many as threequarters of estate agents are seeing inquiries for lettings outstripping supply.

This means many potential tenants are trapped in highly priced, poor quality accommodation, often owned by landlords new to the buy-to-let market.

Founding partner of property investment franchise Platinum Property Partners Nick Carlile said: "There is an alternative to the months of searching and grotty property for the many thousands of working professionals looking to rent good quality affordable accommodation.

"One option is to look into living in a shared house with other working professionals.

"There are thousands of shared houses across the UK but not all of them are the same. Many are still very grotty and some are frankly death traps. When looking, ensure you check out the landlord as well as the property and don't be afraid to speak to other house mates".