Housing: Where’s the Plan?

Housing is a fundamental necessity, and yet it is generally acknowledged that we have a

‘housing crisis’ in the UK. The housing market has worked well for many people (who have

enjoyed the steeply rising values of their homes), which is why change, especially new building,

is resisted. But for increasing numbers it now works less well, as home ownership is out of reach.

Government finds it easier to introduce short-term policies that are not really effective, meaning

that the long-term issues are never really resolved. Reforms are urgently needed.

There are many national policy aims, including decent homes for all, protection of the green

belt, better design of buildings and places, avoidance of price volatility, and intergenerational

fairness. We also have an existing housing stock that is wrongly located, and some of the

housing we do have is of poor quality. With so many conflicting views, strong local feelings

and a balance to be struck between growth and conservation, what housing market outcomes

might be regarded as a success for policymakers? This book dispels some common myths, and

provides answers in the form of policy recommendations.