"It’s a stark reminder that significant structural changes and support mechanisms are needed to accelerate housebuilding. "
- Morné Jacobs, director of new build at Countrywide Surveying Services
The latest poll from Countrywide Surveying Services highlights widespread industry scepticism around the government’s ambitious new housing target.
An overwhelming 95% of property professionals expressed doubt that the new government target of 1.5 million new homes for this current parliament will be achieved. Only 5% of respondents were optimistic that the target would be met.
The poll also explored the importance of energy efficiency for future homebuyers, with 85% of respondents (20% “very important” and 65% “somewhat important”) indicating that energy efficiency will be a significant factor in homebuying decisions. 10% said it was neither important nor not important, with 5% believing that it was not really important. Ultimately, the panel agreed that educating consumers about the long-term financial and environmental benefits of new builds, as well as the potential future costs of retrofitting older homes, could help drive more sustainable housing choices and support energy efficiency goals.
On the topic of a potential stamp duty holiday for new builds, opinions were evenly split, with 47% in favour and 53% opposed. This division underscores the complexity involved with incentivising homeownership and supporting the new build sector through government interventions.
Morné Jacobs, director of new build at Countrywide Surveying Services, said: “These results reflect the growing concern within the property industry about the feasibility of meeting the government’s ambitious new homes target. It’s a stark reminder that significant structural changes and support mechanisms are needed to accelerate housebuilding. However, there are also positive trends, particularly the increasing emphasis on energy efficiency, which we expect to shape future housing demand. At Countrywide Surveying Services, we are committed to leading the way in New Build surveying, working alongside our partners to support a range of sustainable and innovative housing solutions.”
Richard Rothwell, commercial development manager at Leeds Building Society, commented: “Building more homes is a crucial part of solving the national housing crisis. However, the Government’s commitment to build 1.5million homes could be held up under current UK planning processes which are currently weighted towards the minority of people who oppose development, those whose voices are drowning out the people who support building more homes. We must work together to explore ways of unlocking opportunities for home building, to address the concerns raised in the Countrywide Surveying Services polls.”
