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Average new home must last 2,000 years, says LGA
New builds in England will have to last 2,000 years to meet need if current rates of housebuilding continue, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).
Shortfalls in new housing provision over the past few decades mean existing homes are required to house more people and last much longer, a report by Residential Analysts commissioned by the LGA claims.
The research has revealed that spending on the repair and maintenance of existing homes almost matched the amount forked out for new build in 2016, with the total bills running to £27bn and £35bn respectively.
It also found that one in 10 buyers of new homes say they are dissatisfied with the quality of their home, while one in six would not recommend their house builder to a friend.
The LGA said the figures show a “national renaissance” in council housebuilding is needed to solve shortages and improve quality.
“Our country’s failure to build enough homes over the past few decades is putting huge pressure on our existing housing stock,” said Judith Blake, housing spokesperson for the LGA and leader of Leeds City Council.
“To spark a desperately needed renaissance in council housebuilding, councils also need to able to borrow to build new homes and keep all receipts from any homes they sell to reinvest in building new homes that are of a good quality and affordable.”
Councils’ Housing Revenue Accounts are currently subject to a borrowing cap and they are only allowed to keep a small portion of money raised from homes sold through the Right to Buy to build new properties.
