The supply of new homes in the UK is struggling to keep up with demand and is deepening the housing crisis. New figures from the HBF (Home Builders Federation) show how far off the pace the supplies currently are. We want to look at this today, then if you need help from architects in London, you can speak to us.

A massive drop

The most concerning figure is that the number of housing developments that got approval in the year to March 2024 was down 12% year-on-year. Just over 10,400 sites got permission in those 12 months.

The number of approvals is the lowest total in a year since records began back in 2006. More alarming, it is a massive 24% less than during the global financial crisis and recession from 2009. Back then 13,388 developments got consent.

If you look at the number of units to get approval, it is also declining. In March 2024, 236,644 units got consent. It is a year-on-year drop of 13%. While it isn’t the lowest total ever recorded, it is the worst performance of the last decade.

The problem is even worse in some regions. London had the hardest 12 months. Just 7,613 units got approval. This is down 39% year-on-year and the lowest total since 2012.

How to fix it?

The figures show that the pipeline of new housing is much smaller than last year. It means there is a huge amount of work to do to resolve the issue. This will require helps from various sides, including the government, housebuilders, and architects in London.

Experts are calling for the government to make immediate changes and take drastic action to improve the situation. HBF wants to see a 10-year plan for building housing. They also want to see changes to the planning system to help more projects get approval.

An interesting factor HBF point at is the issue with nutrient neutrality. It is a policy that ensures developments don’t increase the levels of harmful nutrients entering watercourses. However, that can prevent plans from getting permission. The estimate is it has been holding back the delivery of 160,000 homes for six years.

HBF wants the next Government to be “bold and brave” with their housing policies. They say this is the only way to meet the housing supply needs. Plus, doing so would offer massive social and economic benefits.

Working with top architects in London

One thing that can make it more likely that projects will get approval is to work with passionate architects. They can work within the current planning framework and deliver stunning designs to suit all kinds of briefs. Even tricky things like nutrient neutrality can be overcome.

Coffey Architects is a company you can rely on here. We have creative people and the flexibility to consider various options for different elements of a building. So, reach out today and talk to some of the top architects in London. We’d be happy to share our expertise.