Commentary
VIDEO | How do we speed up affordable home delivery?
The need for affordable housing is clear – so what’s holding the industry back from building these homes? Experts from across the industry came together to discuss that very question at a roundtable discussion hosted by Onward Homes.
Participants:
- Ellie Philcox, Euan Kellie Property Solutions
- David Fairclough, Progressive Living
- Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council
- Lisa Tye, Shoosmiths
- Sandy Livingstone, Onward Homes
- Stephen Heverin, Onward Homes
Key talking points:
Everchanging legislation regarding affordable housing was cited as one of the issues with affordable housing delivery.
One of the solutions pitched was additional financial support from central government, which could help developers stack up viability issues with affordable homes.
Another solution was for housebuilders to change their mindset and start concentrating on developing places rather than just homes. The room agreed that affordable housing needs to not be seen as a burden, and additional funding could help with this.
Onward spoke about its push towards modern methods of construction, and how it sees this as a way to reduce the carbon emission impact of the houses its builds without destroying a balance sheet.
The discussion was hosted by Place North West senior reporter Dan Whelan. Highlights from the roundtable can be seen in the video at the top of this article, as well as on the Place North West YouTube channel.
The government and councils need a national Housebuilding program. They used to be and still should be the largest house builder in the country…they have a captive market so why do they not use that benefit? It would bring rents down across the board and reduce waiting lists. It would also help prevent property being used less as investments and more like homes.
By Anon
We have to make better use of land and therefore I would like to see the return of more quality , terraced housing instead of the semis that have cropped up in the inner city areas with front and back gardens, what a waste.
Good town-houses don`t need front gardens and only need a rear, medium-sized garden, meanwhile high-rise is also an option as long as it`s properly concierged and secure.
By Anonymous