Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

Housing shortage is growing concern for Brits

Tuesday, 4 December 2007 12:00 AM

A perceived housing shortage in the UK is a growing concern for a large number of Brits, according to new research from the New Homes Marketing Board (NHMB).

Up to 80 per cent of the population thought the housing shortage needed to be addressed, with over a third saying it was 'very important', while a further 45 per cent viewed the shortage as 'fairly important'.

Less than ten per cent thought the housing shortage was 'not important' according to the NHMB research, carried out by YouGov.

"As a snapshot of the great British public's thinking, this poll is both encouraging and disturbing," said NHMB chairman, David Pretty.

"People really do now recognise that we have a housing crisis, are understandably worried by it and seem to accept that urgent action must be taken to address it."

However, the public still give credit to persistent myths surrounding house building which are not supported by fact, according to the NHMB.

For example, greenbelt land in the UK has increased by some 65,000 acres in the previous decade, while the public tends to assume levels are falling.

Furthermore, fears about land use for new homes also appear unfounded.

When asked what proportion of the land in the south-east would be required to build 120,000 new homes annually for the next decade - four times the present rate - only a tiny percentage of the public guessed the correct level of under one per cent.

"When it comes to the detail [of building new homes], significant numbers of people still buy into the hoary old myths about the greenbelt and countryside disappearing under concrete and builders landbanking, and many more are confused or unsure about the implications for themselves, their communities and the nation," continued Mr Pretty.

However, while the NHMB would like to see new homes built to address the shortages presently affecting the UK, there are other options.

This week is National Empty Homes Week of Action (3rd- 7th December), which seeks to bring empty homes back into use as method of addressing shortages.

"There are 663,000 wasted empty homes in England," said chief executive, David Ireland.

"The government is fixated on just building more homes, but we are convinced returning more empty homes to use should be part of the solution too.

"All too often empty homes are overlooked and nobody takes responsibility for getting them into use. We are happy to provide advice to owners, and work with others to seek a solution to empty homes that are reported to us," he concluded.

Related stories

Countryside property

Rural areas suffer affordable housing shortage

"Many of the communities upon which our countryside depends could shrivel and die," warns expert.

 Houses in Edinburgh

Scotland faces housing shortage

As the population grows and the construction industry struggles, ministers warn around 20,000 extra homes per year need to be built.
modular home

Prefab homes "could solve UK housing shortage"

Housing built off-site and dropped into place could be a "highly-practical" way to get first-time buyers onto the UK property ladder.

 Finding a suitable property (29 per cent) is a growing worry for first-time buyers. Image:Pixmedia

First-time buyers face shortage of homes for sale

Problems raising a deposit compounded by fall in number of flats and terraced homes on market, says Rightmove.

Halifax says low interest rates likely to keep house prices stable despite weak economy but warns of uncertainty over Eurozone. Image: Thinkstock

More of the same for housing market in 2012

Halifax says low interest rates likely to keep house prices stable despite weak economy but warns of uncertainty over Eurozone.

Service men and women to get package of help to buy homes or apply for social housing. Image: Thinkstock

Government pledges housing help for heroes

Service men and women to get package of help to buy homes or apply for social housing.
Brits have grand designs on their own homes

Brits have grand designs on their own homes

Are TV property programmes turning us into a nation of show home owners?

 Stewart Law, chief executive of Assetz

Property prices growing concern for experts

Property prices growing concern for experts
No parking sign in window

Brits claim rights to home parking spots

Almost half of the public believe they have rights over the nearest public parking space to their home.

 Row of terraced houses in London

Most Brits want to pass on property to their kids

Six out of ten say they want to bequeath their main home to their family but only four in ten are banking on an inheritance.

Search property

Headlines

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Beds Direct

Beds Direct Logo
Whether you've just moved into a property and need to furnish it or just fancy having something new to sleep on, Beds Direct offer you a wide array of beds to order online or via the telephone.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Propertywide

Propertywide Logo
Propertywide.co.uk is Countrywide plc's dedicated property website. Created to provide online access to all our estate agency, lettings and property related services, Propertywide.co.uk has been designed with the consumer at heart.

The 21st Century Radiator Company

The 21st Century Radiator Company Logo
Welcome to 21st Century Radiator Company. We supply a stunning range of traditional reproduction high quality cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths. All our cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths are brand new, fully tested and guaranteed for ten years.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

Designer taps can complete the look of your bathroom

When redesigning your bathroom, the first thing you're likely to pay attention to is what suite to choose. However, before you finish redecorating, think about the smaller features; after all, something like which taps you choose can complete your bathroom design.

Great tips for keeping brass door handles in top condition

Having brass door handles in your home can quickly give your place a sense of glamour and finesse. However, it is vital you put in the effort to ensure your brass fittings stay looking good. By following the tips below, you can be confident your handles will always be in peak condition.

What type of storage is best for small kitchens?

If you have a small kitchen you may well look enviously at the space and amount of storage in the country-style rooms that are beloved by property programmes on television. There may not be much you can do about the size of your room, but there are steps you can take to ensure the space is utilised as efficiently as possible.