Comment from shelter on annual house building figures

November 17, 2017

Shelter comment on annual housing supply figures (2016/17) released yesterday 16th November 2017

  • There were 217,350 additional dwellings between 2016/2017, and increase of 15% on last year. (DCLG)
  • However, according to government statistics out last week, the total number of affordable homes built in England last year was 41,530, well below the average over the past ten years. This means that only 19% of new properties announced today are classed as affordable. (DCLG)
  • The biggest changes in supply were seen via conversions (splitting homes to make more units) and change of use (conversions from offices to flats for example), at 19% and 22% respectively. Worryingly, these dwellings have no quality assurance or affordable housing obligation.
  • Shelter say we need to build at least 250,000 new homes a year, 125,000 of which should be genuinely affordable. Affordable homes should take up no more than 1/3 of local people’s income.

Polly Neate, chief executive at Shelter, said: “It’s good to see the Prime Minister shedding light on housebuilding and new statistics showing some increase in new homes, however the numbers are still well short of the government’s own targets and we should be crystal clear that not even a fifth of these are affordable.

“With hundreds of thousands of people homeless this Christmas and those in need of affordable homes going up all the time, owing to a crippling combination of soaring rents and welfare cuts, these numbers fall woefully short.

“If the government is serious about tackling our housing crisis and helping the millions of families on lower incomes in the upcoming budget then sticking plasters will not be enough – it must urgently prioritise building homes which are genuinely affordable for ordinary people to rent or buy.”

Source of information Shelter.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

HMRC ramps up scrutiny of residential property valuations as it cracks down on inheritance tax avoidance

  Taxman’s requests for help from the Valuation Office Agency with property valuations in IHT returns rises nearly 25% Rise reflects HMRC’s increased efforts to recover revenue from underreported and misvalued estates.   HM Revenue & Customs is increasingly challenging residential property valuations in inheritance tax (IHT) returns, with the number of cases referred to…
Read More →
Breaking News

Renters urged to understand their new rights before major law change

With just one week until the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act comes into effect, renters across England are being urged to understand how the changes will affect their rights, tenancies and day-to-day renting experience. From 1 May 2026, the new legislation will introduce wide-ranging reforms designed to provide greater stability, clearer rights, and…
Read More →
Adding second coat of varnish floor boards
Home and Living

The Foundation of Your Home: Why Your Subfloor Dictates Your Flooring Destiny

In the field of residential and commercial renovation, the aesthetic selection of a floor covering—be it the grain of a hardwood plank, the texture of a stone tile, or the finish of a luxury vinyl—often commands the most attention. However, from a technical perspective, the long-term performance and durability of these materials are entirely dependent…
Read More →
Breaking News

Almost £1.4m difference in property prices between the start and finish lines of London Marathon

The latest property market analysis from London’s number one lettings and sales estate agency brand, Foxtons, has revealed that there’s a difference of almost £1.4m in the average sold price from the starting point of the London Marathon and the finish line. As London’s largest estate agent, Foxtons holds an unrivalled view of the London…
Read More →
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Demand drops year-on-year for commercial property from high base

Three out of four of the main commercial property sectors saw a yearly decline in demand both in terms of leasing and investment in the first quarter of the year, amid speculation about interest rate hikes following the start of the war in Iran. According to Rightmove’s Commercial Insights Tracker for Q1 2026, the office…
Read More →
Breaking News

Property market is improving

Property market is improving, but more sellers are cutting prices and withdrawing from the market The latest market data analysis from House Buyer Bureau has found that whilst the property market is showing signs of improvement, more sellers are still being forced to cut their asking price, endure a failed sale, or withdraw from the…
Read More →