Nowhere near touching distance of the 250,000 homes a year we desperately need says Shelter

Shelter’s response to DCLG housebuilding figures, which show:

 

  • In the last 12 months 153,330 houses were built – an increase of 11% on the previous year
  • 41,180 houses (seasonally adjusted) were started in England in the second quarter of 2017, a decrease of 3% previous quarter.
  • 40,310 houses (seasonally adjusted) were built in England in the second quarter of 2017, an increase of 2% on the previous quarter.
  • 10% fewer homes were built in the last twelve months than a decade ago in the year between July 2006 and June 2007.

Polly Neate, Shelter chief executive, said: “While there has been a small increase in homes being built, sadly we’re nowhere near touching distance of the 250,000 homes a year we desperately need.

“It’s also extremely worrying to see housebuilders shifting down a gear and starting to build even fewer homes, when millions of families are struggling and in urgent need of an affordable home.

“The main reason for this persistent failure is the mammoth cost of land which encourages developers to build at a snail’s pace and keep prices high and ensure they still make big profits.

“The government needs to introduce a new housebuilding system which lowers the cost of land and works with communities, rather than against them, to build the affordable homes families are crying out for.”

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

Letting Agent Talk

What Leaseholder Reform Really Means for Managing Agents

By Robert Poole, Director – Block Management, Glide Property Management, part of LRG The past decade has seen a growing focus on leaseholder rights, and in the last few years, that focus has intensified into full-scale reform. With the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 now enacted and further measures under consultation, managing agents are…
Read More
Breaking News

Mortgage approvals bounce back in September

The property industry’s reaction to the latest mortgage approval data from the Bank of England. The latest figures show that: – Mortgage approvals on house purchases for September sat at 65,944 up (+1.5%) from 64,963 in August. Approvals are up slightly (+0.5%) when compared to the 65,628 seen in September 2024. This increase shows stability…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

E-E-A-T and Beyond: What Google Really Wants From Your Website Content

When it comes to ranking in Google search, content quality isn’t just about good writing or clever keywords anymore. Google’s algorithms have become far more sophisticated, prioritising expertise, experience, authority and trustworthiness, a concept now commonly referred to as E-E-A-T. Understanding and implementing E-E-A-T is essential for anyone who wants their website to perform well…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Added value for tenants: Simple improvements that can justify higher rent

By Allison Thompson, National Lettings Managing Director, Romans Although the rent you charge must be in line with local market rates, there will be a range of prices, and you want to be at the top end. Modern fittings and clean, fresh décor are a standard ‘must’, but what are the extra things you can…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 29/10/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   New joint venture to deliver purpose built housing for 1,500 students Valpre Capital and Katch Investment Group launch JV Platform delivering more student accommodation across the UK, the joint venture is set to deliver up to 1,500 student beds in the next few years Following…
Read More
Breaking News

Homes on spooky street names like ‘bat’ and ‘hell’ sell for far above the national average

The Halloween street names that cost a fortune to live on A new study has determined which Halloween-themed streets are the most expensive to live on.  Streets with the word ‘bat’ in the name face an increase of 188.6% from the national average house price in the UK.  Streets that include the words ‘cauldron’ or…
Read More