Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

Growing trend of smaller homes in the UK

Wednesday, 11 April 2007 12:00 AM

The UK has seen a strong rise in the proportion of smaller homes being built over the last 15 years, new research reveals.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) today reveals new build properties have been getting smaller as demand for housing increases, and there is more pressure use previously developed land and take account of environmental concerns.

In the last five years, the ONS research shows new homes with two bedrooms have become the most common type of new build, rising from 25 per cent of new residential developments in 2001/02 to 42 per cent in 2005/06.

Five years ago homes with four or more bedrooms were the most common type of new build.

The ONS also reveals "significantly higher" numbers of young adults are living with their parents than they did in 1991. Among 20 to 24-year-olds, 58 per cent of men and 39 per cent of women have not flown the nest.

"At the same time, first-time buyers in the UK faced average house prices 204 per cent higher than in 1995, compared with a 92 per cent rise in average incomes," the ONS noted.

Household numbers have also been rising much faster than the population has been growing, the ONS finds.

"In spring 2006 there were 24.2 million households in Great Britain, an increase of 30 per cent since 1971. Over the same period, the population of Great Britain increased by only eight per cent," the ONS explained.

Related stories

Studio apartments are pricier than ever. Image:Thinkstock

Rents for smaller flats rise to record high

Financial pressures on tenants mean asking rent for a studio is now higher than for a one-bed flat, says Findaproperty.com.

 Properties in the UK

Fewer UK homes to be repossessed in 2011

And house prices at the end of next year may not be that different from where they are now, say experts.
Just another £4,299,999,999,930 to go.

Total value of UK homes now £4.3tn

London and South East and private rented sector the big winners over last five years, says Savills.

 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.
Downsizing, moving to a cheaper area and equity release seen as main ways to use home to supplement retirement income. Image: Thinkstock

Over-50s look to homes to boost their pensions

Downsizing, moving to a cheaper area and equity release seen as main ways to use home to supplement retirement income.

Homes 'growing' there way out of the recession

Homes 'growing' there way out of the recession

Homes 'growing' there way out of the recession
Buyers need to earn £46,500 to get on the bottom rung of the property ladder in rural areas, says Hometrack.

Rural homes command a premium price

Buyers need to earn £46,500 to get on the bottom rung of the property ladder in rural areas, says Hometrack.

RIBA says property buyers are denied space in cramped new build homes. Image: Thinkstock

Architects attack ‘shoe box’ new homes

RIBA says property buyers are denied space in cramped new build homes.
Prime London property

Revealed: the UK cities outperforming London

Prime property in London is performing excellently – but average values are rising much faster in other UK cities. Find out where here.

 Falling prices and high moving costs leave people who bought their first home in 2007 £11,000 short of being able to move. Image: Thinkstock

Would-be second-time buyers trapped in their homes

Falling prices and high moving costs leave people who bought their first home in 2007 £11,000 short of being able to move, says HSBC

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.

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.

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.

WowBBQ

WowBBQ Logo
Welcome to the World of Weber. We are the largest independent online Weber BBQ retailer in the United Kingdom. WOWbbq.co.uk is a Weber Partner Store and can give you the best advice for all your Weber BBQ needs.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

Useful tips to help find a flat in London

Looking for flats in London can be a frustrating process, given the capital's size, demand for rental accommodation and varying prices. It is vital, therefore, that you do plenty of research and act quickly to ensure you get the place that you want.

What do you need to consider when buying a mattress?

If you looking for a new mattress, you need to get the decision right, as getting it wrong could impact on your overall health and wellbeing. As well as comfort and size, you also need to consider other points, such as any health issues you may have.

FAQs about commercial stamp duty

If you want to relocate to larger premises, you need to know about commercial stamp duty. Different rates apply than with residential property, however, like residential buyers, you could potentially benefit from stamp duty mitigation.