Government’s new homes target unlikely

Permalink: Government’s new homes target unlikely
by Kay Murchie

According to the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC), it is unlikely that the Government will achieve its plan to build 2 million new homes before 2016.

The NSBRC said that while the plan is commendable and may have a positive impact on the housing market, the chances of achieving them are ‘diminishing’.

Tim Doherty of the NSBRC said the Government is already behind schedule so the probability of delivering enough suitable, affordable new homes over the next few years is diminishing.

Last year, Gordon Brown made housing a priority and promised to build 2 million new homes by 2016 and 3 million by 2020.

Furthermore, strict targets for carbon emissions would be placed on the new properties, with the aim of making all new homes carbon neutral by 2020. In addition, 10 new eco-towns would form a core part of the initiative.

Mr Doherty added that while success is unlikely, the Government’s involvement in the issue could prove positive. The Government’s intervention in the debate over new homes last year offered encouragement to the construction industry supply chain, with new defined annual targets, relaxations in domestic planning and of course new goals for carbon neutrality.

Surveys published recently by the Halifax, Nationwide and property website RightMove have all pointed to a slowing market.

Finally, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) finds confidence in data showing the market is at its lowest level for 15 years.