aboutproperty.co.uk Logo
 | News feeds | Join the mailing list | Make Homepage

Property news

NHF: Build more family homes

NHF: Build more family homes
NHF: Build more family homes

Monday, 17, Dec 2007 03:12

The National Housing Federation (NHF) has called on the government to develop more affordable, family-sized homes in London and other city centres.

The body, which represents non-profit housing associations in the UK, argues a change in policy is essential to prevent more families being forced to move outside of city centres in a bid to find suitable accommodation.

The comments from the NHF come as figures released by the National House Building Council (NHBC) at the end of November, which show flats and maisonettes were the principal type of housing being developed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

According to this research, flats and maisonettes comprised 51 per cent of new homes developed during the third quarter of 2007.

This trend, however, is likely to prove negative to housing conditions in the UK should it continue.

"Flats are a lot cheaper to develop which is why a lot of the new homes being built tend to be blocks of flats, particularly in London but this is something that needs to change because we are seeing a lot of flats being built where there is a real need for family sized accommodation," said an NHF spokesperson.

"Flats are fine for the people who need them, and they are probably a very affordable option for first-time buyers; suitable for single people and couples, but we have a real need, particularly in London and high value areas for decent sized family accommodation."

At present families and those on low incomes are being forced from cities, according to the NHF; a trend which is bad for both families and the environment.

"We are seeing people having to travel further and further to work because the homes within city centre areas and near places of employment are getting more and more expensive," continued the spokesperson.

"People have to move further and further out to be able to find good quality and affordable accommodation."

"This isn't good for families because the time spent travelling to work could be spent with their families.

"It's also not necessarily good for the environment because people have to travel longer. This is where building family accommodation in city centres would be a good thing," concluded the NHF spokesperson.





Comment on this story

Share your views with the aboutproperty.co.uk readers.
Name 

Location 

Email 

Comment 

Enter the text shown to the right

User comments...

Marketplace

    From builders and DIY suppliers to decorators and garden supplies, home finance to heating and plumbing services, home furniture to accessories, bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens and a whole lot more.

    Whatever you’re looking for you’ll find it in the aboutproperty marketplace – your gateway to all things home and garden related.

Free Property Finder Service


For your free guide to investing in uncertain times click here.

Features

BBQ season is upon us.

x

The Met Office has announced summer 2009 is likely to be a glorious affair, with temperatures reaching Mediterranean standards. So what better way to celebrate the forthcoming sunshine than with a barbecue?


Related Stories

Overseas Property

Brits "play it safe" with foreign property investment

Brits "play it safe" with foreign property investment

Foreign property investments in 2010 are likely to be 'safe bet' options for Brits, according to one industry expert.


Property Finance

Mortgage lending increases in June says Bank of England

Mortgage lending has increased according to the latest official figures

Mortgage lending reached a 14 month hight in June but is still far below traditionally normal levels, according to the latest data from the Bank of England.


France

Property abroad in France

Aboutproperty considers the ever popular French property market as a recent boom seems to slow, perhaps making now the right time to pick up a bargain.


Spain

Property abroad in Spain

Spain is the most popular destination for Brits looking to invest abroad and the most popular emigration destination in the world. But what is it that makes this country so enduringly popular? Aboutproperty investigates.