Housing Supply and Affordability

Key Issue

Estimates have indicated the number of new homes needed in England at between 240,000 and 340,000 per year, accounting for new household formation and a backlog of existing need for suitable housing.

In 2017/18, the total housing stock in England increased by around 222,000 homes. This was 2% higher than the year before – and the amount of new homes supplied annually has been growing for several years – but is still lower than estimated need.

Our Position

We agree on the need for more affordable housing. However, we are not best placed to inform on the numbers required to meet demand. Our position is clear on the need for quality homes, as opposed to simply focussing on quantity. Ensuring housebuilders are held to account and are delivering for the consumer remains paramount. If we can build more homes that are higher quality, we are ensuring a stable pipeline of construction activity whilst improving trust in the sector.

Further Information

On housing market trends - The UK Residential Market Survey, published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), is used by the government, the Bank of England and other key institutions including the International Monetary Fund, as an indicator of the current and future conditions in UK residential sales and lettings.

On housing provision and affordability – Shelter frequently carry out research and commentary on the homelessness, the cost of the rental market and the numbers of new homes being built whilst also delving into affordability.