The latest HBF/Halifax survey reveals new homes continue to increase in popularity and examines customers views of high-density mixed tenure housing
The latest annual survey for the House Builders Federation and Halifax plc reveals the popularity of new homes has continued to grow and that the need for more space is by far the main reason for moving home.
The proportion of buyers wanting a new home is now 27 per cent with a further 64 per cent considering either new or second-hand and just nine per cent refusing to consider a new home.
Research last year indicated 24 per cent of buyers would prefer to buy new.
When asked the reason for moving, by far the largest proportion of respondents (39%), cited the main reason was for more room. Job relocation was the second most cited reason (19%) whilst, surprisingly, divorce or separation accounted for just three per cent of moves.
When asked for their main reason for choosing a new home, 28 per cent said buying new offered a “clean canvas” for them to stamp their own identity. The following most popular reasons were low maintenance and running costs, together with improvements in design and a ten-year warranty.
However, the survey raises important questions on whether the Government’s policy of increasing housing and mixing tenures, is acceptable to the house-buying public.
With a substantial proportion of respondents expressing concerns about small plot sizes and proximity to neighbours, many respondents suggested Government demands for higher-density, mixed tenure development, was at odds with the demands of house buyers.
The report’s researchers encountered considerable levels of not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) syndrome when the issue of mixed private market housing being mixed with affordable housing was discussed with respondents. The principal concerns were that:
· Non owner-occupiers might not maintain their homes to an acceptable standard
· Crime levels might increase
· Resale values might be adversely affected
It is important to note, however, that the negative attitudes expressed towards mixed tenure, high-density development, softened when the reasons behind the new planning policy were explained.
Initially, many buyers blamed small plot sizes on “developer greed” until they were shown the policy was designed to reduce the amount of greenfield land used for development. Similarly, when explained that the mixture of market and affordable homes was introduced to help moderately-paid keyworkers and avoid repeating problems caused by segregated tenures, there was greater acceptance.
However, buyers were not prepared to accept reduced car parking provision. The report makes it clear that people are not prepared to sacrifice their vehicles no matter how difficult planners may make it for them. Rather than improving the environment, many saw narrow roads, reduced car parking and the subsequent traffic problems as a danger.
Pierre Williams, spokesman for the House Builders Federation, said: “It is encouraging that despite radical changes in planning policy, the improvements in new housing design are continuing to attract an increasing number of homebuyers.
“This research shows that developers are responding to Government calls for urban regeneration and higher housing densities. However, it is also vital that Government accepts that housing need is as acute in many rural areas and that a ‘one size fits all policy’ of brownfield, high-density development is not a solution to this country’s housing crisis.
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