Eurocell: is collaboration the key to the future property mix?

Housing Tue, Feb 4, 2020 9:03 AM

Collaboration critical if the right mix of homes are to be built, say consumers

Almost half (49%) of consumers believe greater collaboration between local councils, property developers and social housing associations is critical if the UK is to build the right mix of properties in future.

That’s according to a research report published by Eurocell plc, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline systems.

Other factors identified by respondents as critical to ensuring the right mix of homes is built included providing more opportunities for public consultation during planning decisions (35%), more powers being given to local planning authorities for better local oversight (29%) and more strategic leadership at a national level (21%).

The findings are part of a report by Eurocell that explores how the communities of the future may look. It includes insights from five architects from practices BDP, Stanton Williams, TOWN and Urbanist Architecture.

When asked about the current mix of homes being built, half of the 1,000 respondents reported that they felt not enough affordable homes for first time buyers were being built, while an almost identical number (49%) said they believed not enough social housing was being built. This fell to 31% when asked about the amount of private rental (PRS) options being built, while 37% said that not enough homes in general were being built.

As a result, two fifths of respondents, who were equally split between private renters, home owners and social housing tenants, said that PRS, social housing and homes to buy should be of equal priority as more homes were built. However, 28% identified social housing as the priority, 17% said homes to buy and 10% said PRS options should be the priority.

Analysing the findings, Doriano Chiarparin, architect at Stanton Williams, commented: “Unless there is a push towards more social and affordable housing in city centres, land values alone tend to create socially segregated cities. In any productive environment, you need different levels of skill, different types of people and levels of affordability – so there definitely needs to be more support towards affordable residential and social housing in order to keep cities working.”

The public’s view on their preferred housing mix for the communities of the future certainly provides food for thought. The UK has typically been a nation of aspiring property owners. However, these findings suggest that there could be a shift towards more continental attitudes towards homeownership where renting is far more common. As the construction sector continues to design, plan and build the communities of the future serious consideration will need to be given towards this issue to ensure that the needs of consumers are being met.

The research is part of Eurocell’s ‘Future Communities’ report which can be downloaded in full here.

Featured News

Specification news
Effective design of external communal spaces in housing...

Creating effective communal spaces in housing developments involves balancing...

Read More >>

Specification news
Centuries-old building transformed into stylish...

A former care home and Victorian-era cottage turned into premium flats, Willow Tree...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Mermet | Kibo Darkening | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Kibo Darken...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Karellis Darkening | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Karellis Da...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Flocké Darkening | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Flocké Dark...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Shadow 24 Basics | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Shadow 24 B...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Natté PES Basics | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Natté PES B...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

Straightcurve®
Straightcurve®

Straightcurve® – headquartered in Australia, is renowned for high-end innovative garden edging,...

Read More >>

RLG600 Access Flooring System
RLG600 Access Flooring System

The Kingspan RLG600 raised access floor panel is intended for light office use and is capable of...

Read More >>

RHG600 Simploc
RHG600 Simploc

Kingspan RHG600 Simploc is the heavy grade floor system, capable of handling up to a 12kN/m2...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers
Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Watch Now >>

Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels
Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels

“Building with stone wool insulated sandwich panels” written by Professor Imperadori, is now...

Watch Now >>

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London
Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Watch Now >>