Tiny homes will be part of Theresa May’s legacy, says NFB

July 1, 2019

The prime minister must take responsibility for the “tiny homes” that she facilitated by ignoring industry and campaigner advice for better housing standards and more appropriate policy.

Changes to policy are welcomed but, unfortunately, it is too little too late as with many of her decisions.

Time after time, the PM and her housing ministers were told that their policy decisions were actively encouraging the construction of smaller homes, but they ignored every warning.

  • Office to residential development under permitted development rules was a major contributing factor.
  • The decision to stop publishing the number of one, two, three and four bedroom homes also gave councils fewer tools to match housing need with supply.
  • Investment in and backing of the brilliant, albeit transitional, housing provider Pocket Living highlighted a lack of market understanding.

Local authorities who did not mandate space standards within local planning must take their share of the blame, but the Government knew this was happening and did not take the right steps to solve it.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “The issue of tiny homes has been raised over and over again. The Government kicked it into the long grass and it is disingenuous of the prime minister to make it a priority, now that she is stepping down.”

Rico Wojtulewicz, head of housing and planning policy at the House Builders Association, said: “I’ve lost track of the number of times I raised this issue with the Government and councils. We can ensure larger homes are built through tools such as space standards, but councils must also know the types and size of homes that are being built. That requires the Government to begin publishing those statistics once again.”

National Federation of Builders

The National Federation of Builders is a United Kingdom trade association representing the interests of small and medium-sized building contractors in England and Wales.

You May Also Enjoy

Home and Living

Optimizing Property Maintenance: A Strategic Guide to Boosting ROI

Keeping up with property maintenance isn’t just about fixing things—it’s about protecting your investment and maximizing its value over time. A well-thought-out maintenance strategy ensures steady income while preventing costly vacancies. No matter the type of property you manage, treating maintenance as a smart business move pays off in the long run. Why Maintenance Matters…
Read More →
Home and Living

Transforming Fixer-Uppers into High-Value Rentals: Smart Renovation Strategies for Property Owners

So, you’ve taken the plunge and bought a fixer-upper—congratulations! You’ve either scored an incredible investment or embarked on the ultimate DIY challenge. Either way, there’s no need to panic. With a strategic approach, even the most outdated property can be transformed into a high-value rental. Ready to turn that renovation gamble into a profitable asset?…
Read More →
Home and Living

Enhancing Rental Properties: Aesthetic and Functional Home Improvement Tips

Providing tenants with both comfort and convenience is a cornerstone of effective property management, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of aesthetics. Striking the right balance between functionality and visual appeal is essential in rental properties, as residents appreciate both practical features and well-designed spaces. Rental seekers now have more choices when picking their…
Read More →
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Rightmove & Nationwide launch global-first property lending check

The UK’s largest property platform Rightmove, & the UK’s largest Building Society Nationwide have launched a global-first real-time digital feature, which helps potential home-buyers understand if a specific property they want to view is likely to be eligible for mortgage lending. With the new digital ‘property lending check’, homebuyers can for the first time receive…
Read More →
Home and Living

Restoring the Past: How to Expertly Repair Wooden Windows with PM Windows Ltd

Why Wooden Windows Deserve a Second Life Wooden windows are a hallmark of classic British architecture, offering timeless beauty, warmth, and craftsmanship rarely matched by modern alternatives. Whether adorning a Georgian townhouse or a Victorian terrace, their charm lies in both their aesthetics and their heritage value. However, timber windows are not immune to the…
Read More →
Breaking News

Slight rise in house prices as market maintains strength

Halifax House Price Index • House prices increased by +0.3% in April vs -0.5% in March • Average property price now £297,781 compared to £296,899 in previous month • Annual rate of growth at +3.2% up from +2.9% in March • House prices remarkably stable over last six months, down by just £48 • Northern…
Read More →