Tani feels “trapped” in the tiny studio flat she has rented in Coventry for the past two years.

Like many across the UK, the 24-year-old programme coordinator dreams of owning her own home – but says that goal feels increasingly out of reach, so she’s staying put.

The phenomenon known as ‘flathugging’ describes this growing reality for renters who feel immobilised by rising living costs and a lack of affordable housing.

Although many want to move, tenants often find themselves effectively locked into their current homes as rent prices and financial pressures make relocation impossible.

Research from flat share website SpareRoom shows that this affects 56 per cent of renters across the UK.

Speaking to The i Paper , Tani, who did not want to give her second name, said: “Although

See Full Page