180,000 New Affordable Homes - Is it Achievable?

Posted by The Landsite on 5th November 2021 -

In response to last week's budget statement, Ramsey Assal, CEO of The Landsite commented on the £11.5bn to be set aside to build up to 180,000 new affordable homes.  He said;

“Whilst last week's announcement is encouraging news, it is only one step towards addressing the shortfall of affordable housing in the UK.  The harsh reality for many is that they are desperate for housing, yet much of the existing provision is simply unaffordable and becoming increasingly so.  

“Importantly, the government needs to couple this initiative with incentives to builders and developers to help them to protect their revenues and margins as they feed new housing stock into the lower end of the property price range, and yet still be able to develop with adequate green spaces and amenities.

“As we push to build and enhance the UK’s housing stock over the long term, ideally sites that are earmarked for development should also consider mixing architectural design with green spaces.  Concrete jungles serve no one.  Ensuring a green space is vital for communities, the environment, and the happiness of people living on these new housing sites.  As a minimum, a green space the size of a tennis court should be included. 

“Last week's announcement, whilst welcomed by The Landsite, may not be enough to meet the government’s ambitious target of developing 300,000 new homes each year for the foreseeable future.”