Little boxes -

[observer]

Seems others are noticing that our new build housing is getting smaller, to the point where they are resembling little dolls houses. But what do they expect when demand is exceeding supply and folk are driven to buy the cheapest possible?

[Davy51]

In all honesty some of the new houses are no bigger than terraced houses. I do  find it hard to understand the housing shortage though when no one has money for deposits.

[observer]

Presume the "housing shortage" is based on demand Dave, not just for purchase but now mostly for rent (hence the hike in rents). Many youngsters will no doubt delay living together or live with parents or relations (they're not yet sleeping on the streets). Then of course, any increase in population caused by immigration will also increase demand. What's required imo is a massive building programme, to build (Council) social housing for, if necessary, subsidised rent; starting with smaller units for couples and the elderly. The quickest way to do that, would be city centre high rise; which would have the added value of re-populating Town Centres; and the other spin off, would be employment in the building trades. All been done before, under the post-war Atlee Government.

[inky pete]

So who funds these subsidised rents Obs? Taxpayers who are already struggling with their own mortgages presumably.

[observer]

The same folk who are currently funding Housing Benefit ! The difference is, direct rent subsidies would go to the landlord (Councils or Social Housing provider), not in cash to individual claimants. As for where it comes from, start with the Bankers, Corporate tax dodgers et al, and work your way down.

[Bazj]

oh such utopia.....

[observer]

Utopia is always out of reach, cos folk never try to get there !

[Davy51]

There are at least 4 big private developments going up near us ,the one at Vulcan Village has been on the go for four or five years now & it is at a stage where they only build a house when it has been ordered ,there is no large scale development because the demand is not there because no one has any money to get on the housing ladder.All the developments are offering the government's part rent to buy option.

[observer]

The Government's so-called stimulus, merely stimulates higher end purchase and price inflation.  The only way to reduce prices, is to reduce demand, by providing cheap rented social housing, which would have a deflationary knock on effect up the food chain.

[Davy51]

Because of the bedroom tax we are also seeing  tenants in social housing downsizing to smaller properties  , just the type of properties that would suit young couples, & leaving a glut of empty larger houses.

[Evil Sid]

 

and they all look just the same

[observer]

Dave, they need the larger houses for the immigrants, as they tend to be more fertile!