Millions of homeowners impacted as Government announces strictest measures yet to enforce social distancing

Over 15million homes could be impacted after the Government announced new rules to enforce social distancing, as large swathes of the nation continue to ignore advice to only leave the house where absolutely necessary, to stay in groups of just two people and to remain two metres apart at all times.

As a result, the Government has taken the radical step to impose a distance of two metres between all terraced and semi-detached homes across the UK in an effort to enforce rules on social distancing and to ensure that those not living in the same property remain at the appropriate distance.

With the terraced and semi-detached homes being the most prominent of all property types across the UK accounting for 28% and 25% of total property stock respectively, research by PropergandaPR shows that this could impact a huge 15,210,187 homes across the UK.

The tough new measures will hit hardest in England where there are some 6.9m terraced homes and 6.1m semi-detached properties, with a further 996,960 homes impacted in Scotland, 794,483 in Wales and 428,744 in Northern Ireland.

It is not yet clear as to how the Government plans to execute this mass movement of properties but the first such movements are expected in a matter of days, with a second phase planned to separate flats potentially in the pipeline.

Co-founder of PropergandaPR, James Lockett, commented:

“A huge step by the Government to really drive home the importance of social distancing and one that will hopefully act as a serious wake-up call for those that continue to ignore advice on the subject.

We’ve seen measures being ramped up over recent weeks and the nation really pull together to fight this outbreak, but unfortunately, a selfish few continue to hold karaoke parties, picnics and more with no regard for others.

With space for housing already a rare commodity and a real need to build more properties this is going to put further strain on the UK housing market and you’d have to be a fool to let things get to this stage. Hopefully, it will have the required impact and we won’t see any further restrictions imposed.”

Property Type
England
Wales
Scotland*
Northern Ireland
UK
% of total
Terraced House
6,857,000
400,820
508,400
227,170
7,993,390
28%
Semi-Detached House
6,133,000
393,663
488,560
201,574
7,216,797
25%
Detached House
4,172,000
316,362
533,200
284,547
5,306,109
18%
Flat
4,867,000
157,465
934,960
85,680
6,046,105
21%
Bungalow
2,142,000
164,623
N/A
N/A
2,306,623
8%
Total
24,171,000
1,431,500
2,480,000
798,971
28,882,471
100%
Scotland has 14,880 properties where the type is classed as ‘unknown’.
Scotland and Northern Ireland data sources do not classify properties as ‘Bungalow’.

Properganda PR

National and local media coverage for property businesses. Journo quotes delivered in minutes.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Lack of Supply Keeps Upward Pressure on Rents

More ‘affordable’ areas see rents rise two times faster than the national average    Rents are rising 5% on average in more affordable areas where rents are below £750pcm – over twice the national average of 2.1% Regionally, Carlisle (+9.1%), Kilmarnock (+9%) and Halifax (+6.5%) are among the fastest-rising markets where rents are rising quickly…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

First-time buyer price hotspots revealed

New analysis from the UK’s largest property platform Rightmove, reveals where first-time buyer prices are rising fastest across Great Britain Bridlington in East Riding of Yorkshire (£167,321) and St Helens in Merseyside (£133,106) lead the way, with average asking prices up 18% compared to last year Falkirk (+17% to £118,327) and Hartlepool (+12% to £104,76)…
Read More
Breaking News

Summer set to bring seasonal spike in homeseller activity

The latest analysis by Foxtons has revealed that while autumn is traditionally the busiest time of year for the property market, summer is the ideal time for homeowners to get their property ready and listed if they want to take advantage of the heightened buyer activity still to come in 2026. Foxtons analysed government property transaction…
Read More
Breaking News

World’s Football Stadiums Occupy Incredibly Valuable Real Estate

The latest research from LandSale, the property portal dedicated to land and rural property, has revealed which nations competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are sitting on the most valuable home turf, based on current land values surrounding their national stadiums. LandSale analysed the primary home stadium used by each national team and applied…
Read More
Breaking News

One in five landlords don’t trust letting agents

The latest research by The Letting Partnership has found that almost one in five landlords do not trust letting agents to correctly handle rental income and tenancy deposits, whilst a lack of visibility around compliance standards is preventing many agents from building greater confidence with their clients. The Letting Partnership surveyed 890 landlords across England…
Read More
Breaking News

Rental price and average salary tracker – May 2026

Scottish Rent Surge Drives Regional Growth as Affordability Pressures Persist Across UK Scotland recorded the strongest monthly rental growth of any UK region, with average rents rising from £1,167 in April to £1,257 in May (+7.7%), pushing the typical salary required to secure a home to £37,710. London average monthly costs increased from £2,259 to…
Read More