Majority of UK consumers have no faith in the government to tackle the housing crisis

Just 11% of UK consumers have confidence in the government’s ability to solve the housing crisis, new research from Experience Invest has found. The off-plan property investment firm surveyed a nationally representative sample of over 2,000 UK adults to uncover public attitudes towards the housing crisis. 

The research revealed that over half (53%) of Britons feel that prolonging Brexit is counterproductive to solving the housing crisis. This revelation comes as the Brexit deadline has been delayed for a third time, until 31st January 2019.

The public are keen to see the government make it easier for renters to get onto the property ladder; the majority (78%) believe the government should enforce stricter regulations on landlords to protect vulnerable renters, whilst 68% think the government should introduce a cap on rental prices to make it easier for renters to save for a house deposit. Meanwhile, over two thirds (62%) are in favour of scrapping stamp duty for first time buyers.

However, UK consumers have conflicting views about where new builds should be constructed. Indeed, less than half (47%) want new builds to be constructed in their local area, and just 26% would be content with skyrises being built in nearby towns and cities to address the housing crisis.

Consumers appear particularly concerned about the attractiveness of newbuilds, with 67% supporting the government’s measures to ensure newbuilds are aesthetically pleasing. Improved infrastructure is also a consideration, with over three quarters (76%) calling for local government and construction firms to improve infrastructure around newbuilds to make them more attractive.

Jerald Solis, Business Development and Acquisitions Director at Experience Invest said “The public is somewhat conflicted about its priorities. On the one hand, they want to see decisive action from the government in tackling the housing crisis. However, many are opposed to action that may directly impact their lives and their local area; namely, the construction of newbuilds. This could hinder progress towards tackling the housing crisis.

“What is clear, however, is that local councils must involve construction firms when developing new housing strategies. Private sector constructions firms are perfectly poised to offer assistance, from insight into aesthetically pleasing buildings, to sourcing investment for largescale construction projects. They could provide a vital lifeline to local governments.

“Of course, there isn’t a simple solution to the housing crisis, however a collaboration between the public and private sector would be a promising step in the right direction; both in terms of increasing the supply of affordable homes and easing public scepticism about new builds.”