Britons are significantly more likely to support new homes being built in their neighbourhood than oppose them, challenging perceptions that local resistance remains one of the biggest obstacles to increasing housing supply.
New Barclays Property Insights research finds 43% of UK adults support housebuilding within three miles of their home, almost double the 22% who oppose it.
Support is strongest among younger generations, with 51% of Gen Z backing local development against just 16% who oppose it.
The research also finds building more social or affordable housing is the most commonly cited housing priority for the Government over the next three years, selected by 32% of adults. Reducing homelessness follows on 28%, while 25% want greater emphasis on helping first-time buyers onto the property ladder.
NORTH-SOUTH DIVIDE
Attitudes towards development vary considerably around the country. Northern Ireland records the greatest support at 53%, followed by Wales at 52% and Yorkshire and Humberside at 49%.
London and Scotland both stand at 48%. Opposition is strongest in the South East, where 35% oppose development and 36% support it, making attitudes almost evenly divided. Support also drops to 35% in the South West.
However, Barclays says concerns appear to be driven more by the consequences of development than straightforward opposition to new homes.
Among those against local housebuilding, 61% cite the loss of green space, countryside or natural habitat, 57% pressure on GPs and schools, 55% increased congestion and 52% insufficient infrastructure.
Just 7% cite the potential impact on the value of their own property.
INFRASTRUCTURE KEY TO WINNING SUPPORT
The findings also suggest additional investment could persuade some opponents.
More GP and healthcare capacity would make 26% of those currently opposed more supportive, while 18% point to roads and infrastructure and 15% to additional green space and community facilities.
Barclays Head of Mortgages, Savings and Insurance Jatin Patel (main picture, inset) says: “New homes are critical to easing tension in the housing supply, but attitudes towards development are nuanced. While UK consumers are broadly supportive of efforts to increasing housing supply, this has to be in step with investment in local infrastructure, healthcare and transport links.
“Homeowners also need confidence that they can navigate the process of buying, selling and financing a move. Supporting mobility throughout the market, from first time buyers getting onto the ladder to homeowners right-sizing into properties that better suit their needs, will be key to helping more people achieve their housing ambitions.”
‘ENCOURAGING’ SUPPORT FROM YOUNG PEOPLE
The generational divide is particularly significant, with support progressively declining from 51% among Gen Z to 48% among Millennials, 42% among Gen X and 37% among Baby Boomers.
Barclays’ mortgage data also shows flats remain more important to first-time buyers, accounting for 18.3% of their mortgage completions in July compared with 11.4% among existing homeowners.
Barratt Redrow Head of Mortgage Lender Relations Adrian MacDiarmid says: “It’s really encouraging to see strong support for building more homes, particularly among younger people who face the greatest barriers to home ownership.
“With Gen Z the most supportive of local housebuilding, the findings highlight the importance of increasing housing supply for future generations.
“The research also confirms that people want development to be accompanied by investment in infrastructure and public services.
“That’s why housebuilders have such an important role to play, delivering not only the homes communities need, including affordable housing, but also funding and investing in local facilities that help communities thrive.
“Housebuilding is one of the UK’s most important economic drivers, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and generating investment in communities. With the right partnerships and local leadership, we can deliver growth that creates lasting social and economic value.”
