I might be way off it, but I just can't imagine how someone could rent for their entire life? Obviously, circumstances differ, but I'm more akin to people earning average wages who after paying rent and bills can save very little. And let's face it, most of that 'disposable income' is spent on other things anyway rather than going into savings. Some of it on things that aren't necessities for sure, but you need a bit of enjoyment in life! Imagine after paying off all your necessary expenses you're left with £100 every month? If you can't get a better job or education/training than what you already have, it's going to take you more than a decade to have a chance of a deposit.
Most of these people will probably rent in the hope that their parents have paid off a house and can leave it to them, but when there's potentially multiple children involved or those parents rented forever too, it gets a bit trickier.
If you aren't able to save up much through your working life, what do you do if/when you're pretty much unable in your 60s or 70s? I can't see how these kinds of people will be able to afford to rent, particularly when renting is usually more expensive than a monthly mortgage payment.
I'm so glad I managed to buy a house in my 30's, I feel lucky and somewhat secure (touch wood). Maybe I'm being too soft, but I don't think things such as owning a property if you're working full time snd can afford the monthly payments should be a survival of the fittest / richest scenario.