New data from Propertymark reveals widespread concern among estate agents over whether the UK Government and devolved administrations will meet their respective housebuilding targets.
In a recent poll, members identified planning restrictions as the most significant barrier to progress.
Other key concerns included shortages in the skilled workforce and ongoing population growth, both seen as potential threats to achieving national and regional housing ambitions.
Additional feedback also raised issues around inadequate infrastructure planning to support new developments.
PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE BILL
The findings come as the UK Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill – designed to facilitate the construction of 1.5 million new homes in England by 2029 – has just cleared its Second Reading in the House of Commons.
Elsewhere in the UK, the Scottish Government aims to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, with at least 70 per cent earmarked for social rent and 10% located in rural or island communities.
The Welsh Government is targeting 20,000 new homes by 2026, while Northern Ireland’s Housing Supply Strategy (2024–2039) sets out plans for 100,000 social and private homes over the next 15 years.
ADMIRABLE AND AMBITIOUS
Nathan Emerson, Propertymark Chief Executive at, says: “While the housing goals of various government are admirable and ambitious, they must also be realistic and provide the homes that the UK housing market needs to stabilise house prices in the long-term.
“It is vital to ensure that there is a skilled workforce in place ready to construct those homes, alongside the necessary planning reforms that can speed up building more homes without paving over Green Belt areas.
ENGAGEMENT
And he added: “There must be wide ranging engagement with all key stakeholders to help ensure a unified, collaborative and coordinated approach that keeps pace with ever increasing housing demand.
“Ultimately, there must be wide ranging political cooperation to ensure continuity for the long term, should there be any change in government at any future general election.”
