How many houses does the UK actually need?

How many new Houses does the UK actually need?

Ritchie Clapson of PropertCEO states that "Housebuilding rates in England and Wales have dropped by more than a third after the introduction of the Town and Country Planning Act 1947, from 2 per cent growth per year between 1856 and 1939 to 1.2 per cent between 1947 and 2019".

The Government often cite a target of 300,000 new homes to be built annually. Ritchie Clapson's analysis highlights the disparity between the UK's housing needs and the government's target of 300,000 new homes per year. He questions the source and accuracy of this figure, suggesting it's more of a guideline than a precise calculation. Various measurements of demand yield different numbers, with projections ranging from 160,000 to over 650,000 new homes needed annually. Factors such as concealed households and population growth contribute to these estimates.

Despite the government's ambitious target, historical data reveals that actual housebuilding rates have fallen short, averaging less than 190,000 new homes per year over the past two decades. To bridge the gap between target and reality, Clapson suggests leveraging brownfield redevelopment, which offers potential for up to 1.2 million new homes. However, challenges exist, including public opposition to new construction and the dominance of large-scale home builders in greenfield development.

In conclusion, Clapson emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond meeting numerical targets. Addressing public sentiment, encouraging SME developers, and maximizing brownfield opportunities are essential aspects of tackling the UK's housing shortage.

https://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/features/how-many-new-houses-does-the-uk-actually-need.html