Public support for local housebuilding is almost twice as high as opposition, according to the latest Barclays Property Insights research.
More than two in five UK adults (43%) support new homes being built within three miles of where they live, compared with 22% who oppose local development.
Social and affordable housing emerged as the public’s leading housing policy priority, selected by 32% of respondents. This was followed by reducing homelessness at 28% and helping first-time buyers at 25%.
The findings suggest the barriers facing developers are not driven solely by opposition to housebuilding, with concerns more commonly focused on infrastructure, public services and the loss of green space.
YOUNGER ADULTS BACK DEVELOPMENT
Support was highest among Gen Z adults, at 51%, while only 16% opposed local housebuilding. Support stood at 48% among Millennials, 42% among Gen X and 37% among Baby Boomers.
Northern Ireland was the most supportive region, with 53% backing local development and 15% opposing it. Wales followed with 52% support and 10% opposition.
London and Scotland both recorded support of 48%, while opposition stood at 15%.
The closest divide was found in the South East, where 36% supported development and 35% opposed it. The East of England recorded 36% support and 30% opposition.
INFRASTRUCTURE COULD UNLOCK SUPPORT
Among those opposed to development, 61% cited the loss of green space, countryside or natural habitat. Pressure on GPs and schools concerned 57%, while 55% identified increased traffic and 52% pointed to inadequate infrastructure.
Only 7% opposed development because of concerns that it could reduce the value of their own home.
More than a quarter of opponents said additional GP and healthcare capacity could make them more supportive. Investment in roads and infrastructure was cited by 18%, followed by more green space and community facilities at 15%.
For developers, the findings underline the importance of schemes that combine housing delivery with visible investment in local services and infrastructure.
SUPPLY MUST SUPPORT MOBILITY
Jatin Patel (main picture, inset), head of mortgages, savings and insurance at Barclays, 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.”
“People want development to be accompanied by investment in infrastructure and public services.”
Adrian MacDiarmid, Head of Mortgage Lender Relations at Barratt Redrow, adds: “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.”
