New research reveals overwhelming public support for increasing homebuilding across the UK, with 90% of respondents agreeing that more housing is urgently needed.
According to a study commissioned by The Campaign for Individual Homes, there is a growing preference for self-build, smaller, community-focused developments over large-scale housing estates.
These findings challenge the stereotype that the UK is a nation of “NIMBYs” (Not In My Back Yard) campaigners and support the government’s push towards increasing homebuilding.
‘Findings challenge the assumption that the UK is a nation of ‘NIMBYs”
68% of respondents said they wanted more housing within 5 miles of their home(Image credit: The Campaign for Individual Homes)
In addition to 90% stating that more housing is needed the study also found 68% of people are in favour of new homes being built within five miles of where they live.
“These findings challenge the assumption that the UK is a nation of ‘NIMBYs’,” said Michael Holmes, Content Director of Homebuilding & Renovating. “What they object to are large, identikit housing estates that maximise developers’ profits but do little for architectural quality.”
Holmes emphasised: “People want homes that fit into their communities, not vast estates that overwhelm local character. They’re calling for well-designed, high-quality homes that enhance neighbourhoods.”
Additionally, 64% of respondents believe that new housing should be a mix of affordable and market-rate homes. Younger adults, in particular, are pushing for more affordable housing options. “There’s a clear demand for a housing policy that balances market-rate homes with affordable options, ensuring everyone has access to quality housing,” Holmes added.
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Michael Holmes
Michael is a leading figure in the property industry, serving as Content Director for Homebuilding & Renovating and Vice Chair of the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA). A property expert with extensive experience, he has presented property TV shows, authored Renovating for Profit, and manages an architectural and interior design practice. With a background in overseeing 30 building projects, including self-builds and a Grade-II listed farmhouse renovation, Michael offers design and project management services.
Building for communities, not corporations
The call for smaller, community-driven developments could have a significant impact on the housing sector.
Holmes noted that if every large village in England built just five new homes per year, it would result in an additional 30,000 to 50,000 homes annually – boosting the UK’s new housing supply by 20%.
This gradual approach, he argues, would not only provide much-needed housing but also breathe new life into village amenities like schools, pubs, and shops.
“This kind of organic, incremental growth can be easily absorbed into communities without overwhelming them,” Holmes claimed. “It would also help deliver the types of homes that the public clearly desires while meeting the government’s targets for new housing.”
Case studies highlight success
Examples of successful small-scale developments reinforce the benefits of this approach.
In Kington, Herefordshire, the Webbs Meadow development saw 13 high-quality homes built in its first phase, with four more recently released. Local landowner Kinsey Hern, who spearheaded the project, aimed to enhance the village’s economic viability, supporting local amenities like a pub and community centre.
In Devon, Teignbridge Council has championed self-build homes, with its Howton Field project offering 15 plots, three of which are affordable, for individuals to construct their own homes.
Webbs Meadow is an award-winning development featuring 13 newly built homes in its first phase, located on the outskirts of Kington village in Herefordshire(Image credit: Webbs Meadow Development)
A solution to the housing crisis?
The research, conducted in mid-2024 with over 2,700 participants, suggests that the public’s preference for smaller, well-designed housing could offer a viable solution to the UK’s housing crisis.
The Campaign for Individual Homes advocates for a model that prioritises architectural quality, environmental sustainability, and community integration—homes that reflect the desires of the UK electorate.
As the UK faces ongoing housing challenges, it appears the public is not opposed to new developments, but they want them to be smaller, better designed and more closely tied to their communities.
