The professional body for estate agents says its members are ‘concerned’ about the UK government and devolved administrations meeting housebuilding targets, with most believing planning restrictions will present the biggest obstacle.
A lack of a skilled workforce, population growth and not having the necessary infrastructure to support housebuilding were also cited as potential factors that could jeopardise the targets being met, according to data from Propertymark.
The UK government has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029, with Scotland promising to construct 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, an ongoing target in Wales of 20,000 new homes by 2026, and a 15-year framework to construct 100,000 new homes in Northern Ireland.
Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, said of the findings:
“While the housing goals of various government are admirable and ambitious, they must also be realistic and provide the homes that the UK housing market needs to stabilise house prices in the long-term.
“It is vital to ensure that there is a skilled workforce in place ready to construct those homes, alongside the necessary planning reforms that can speed up building more homes without paving over Green Belt areas. The must be wide ranging engagement with all key stakeholders to help ensure a unified, collaborative and coordinated approach that keeps pace with ever increasing housing demand. Ultimately, there must be wide ranging political cooperation to ensure continuity for the long term, should there be any change in government at any future general election.”
