Interactive Map - Top UK Cities in Housing Crisis
This map shows the top 10 UK cities with the highest average house price growth in the last ten years (2006-2016)
Press the icons for the percentages for each of the cities' housing price increases. Further information regarding the specific prices can be seen on the full map by clicking the button below.
December 3, 2016
How have house prices changed over the years?
This graph highlights how much more difficult it is for individuals to purchase a home today. With this increase, rent prices have also risen. Average salaries have also increased but at a rate that does not justify or match the figures shown here.
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In 1969, average house prices were: £4,312
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In 1975, average house prices were: £10,388.
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In 1980, average house prices were: £22,676
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In 2015, average house prices
were: £198,564.
October 14, 2016
What did the statement address regarding the housing crisis?
Property experts are happy as the Autumn Statement will boost house building, including 90,000 affordable homes in London.
Chancellor Philip Hammond made the housing crisis a top priority in the statement.
He said that London will receive over £3 billion as its share of the national affordable housing funding. He also revealed plans for a £2.3 billion housing infrastructure fund to help build up to 100,000 homes in areas of high demand.
"for too many the goal of home ownership remains out of reach”
He highlighted the housing issue, stating that "for too many the goal of home ownership remains out of reach”, and the Government wanted to “deliver a housing market that works for everyone”.
The increasing of the capital funding for house building has been warmly welcomed by the social housing sector, however, sector leaders feel even more must be done for those really struggling most to find affordable homes.
The Autumn Statement
Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters
November 28, 2016
Instead of finding a way to reduce average housing prices, their solution is to reduce housing space.
Housing minister, Gavin Barwell, has said he believes that the minimum living space and conditions should be lowered in order to create affordable homes for young people. This has caused shock among many people, questioning why young people should settle for ‘coffin’ sized homes in order to be able to buy one.
The Government's answer to the crisis: 'Coffin' sized homes
He hopes that rules will be relaxed about how cramped a flat can be, so building developers can start on new affordable projects. He said: “Most people, given the choice, would like to live in a nice big home. But I think for many young people – if I was 22 today, I would rather have the chance to own that than be priced out.”
While this is not the solution people are looking for, at least it means that the government are aware of the issue and are starting to think of solutions. But are unlivable spaces really the best option?
October 30, 2016
Increases in private renters being made homeless
The number of private renters being made homeless has trebled since 2010, figures reveal. Each month, there are thousands of renters becoming officially homeless by local councils as tenants struggle to pay the increasing rent prices and get evicted by their landlords. The number has risen by more than 20% since 2010.
This analysis reveals mountain levels of homelessness since the Conservatives took office. In 2016 up to September, 18,820 renting households were made homeless, compared with 5,580 in 2010.
Between 2010 and 2016, an astounding 96% of those made homeless are accounted for by private renters losing their homes.
This shows that tenants being evicted by a private landlord at the end of a tenancy is now the most common cause of homelessness.
January 2, 2017
How important are landowners to the Housing Crisis?
Landowners are said to be vital in solving the rural housing crisis if significant ‘barriers’ are removed.
A new report issued today (Monday November 21) by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) said there are a ‘number of factors’ discouraging landowners to put sites forward for affordable housing.
It said two key changes should be made to the tax system to offer incentives for landowners to invest in affordable rural housing.
CPRE policy and research adviser Trinley Walker said: “Landowners understand the pressures facing rural communities, and they are uniquely placed to help keep these towns and villages thriving. There is a clear appetite among landowners to help create affordable housing for local people, but the current system discourages them from doing so.”
While current policy does allow rural landowners to provide sites at below-market prices to build houses for local people in need, the recent legal and financial changes have made it increasingly difficult for them to do so.
"Only 8% of rural housing are classed as affordable in comparison to the 20% in urban areas."
CLA president Ross Murray said he was pleased campaign members provided nearly 40% of all private rented housing in rural areas, but he thinks more can still be done.
He said: “Landowners have strong multi-generational ties to their communities and are often local employers so are well-placed to help increase the supply of affordable homes.
“At a time when housing costs are spiralling, providing more affordable housing is an excellent way to sustain rural communities for future generations and ensure people have the opportunity to live and work in the countryside.”
November 21, 2016
Britain has the smallest homes in Europe
Not only are our homes in Britain unaffordable, we also have the smallest homes in the continent. The average one bedroom flat here is 500sq feet – which is about the size of a London underground carriage. Some building developers such as Pocket Build Homes only have a living space of 400sq ft. Those homes sell for just under £250,000. That’s a lot of money for a place that does not meet the minimum space standards of a home, but people feel they have no other choice but to sacrifice good living conditions just to be a home owner.
October 10, 2016