17 January 2024 , 11:59
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Millions of people in the UK are having to wait to start families or make big life choices because they're not sure about their homes, a survey says.
About 14.1 million adults in England feel stuck because they don't have a secure place to live, and it's even more common for younger folks under 35. The survey, done for the Hyde Group housing association, comes as new numbers from the ONS show that last year rents went up by 6.1% in England - the biggest jump ever.
Wales had an even bigger hike in rent prices, with a 7.1% increase over the year. Andy Hulme, the boss of Hyde Group, said: "When more than four in 10 adults aged under 35 are telling us they are putting off starting a family because they aren't sure where they can live, the main political parties have to start listening."
"Millions of people across the nation are putting their lives on hold because they are trapped by our national housing crisis which we've failed to tackle for decades. Not only is setting out a clear plan to build more and invest in affordable and social housing the right thing to do, but this polling shows it's a vote winner too."
A recent poll revealed that 53% of voters are more likely to support a party that promises to invest more in affordable and social housing, with this figure rising to 61% for adults under 35. Meanwhile, Wednesday's ONS figures showed UK rents have risen by 6.2%, the highest annual increase on record, even as house prices slightly fall.
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The situation is especially severe in London, where rents increased by 6.8% last year. A survey by Hyde found that 41% of people in the capital have put off major life decisions due to housing uncertainty.
Sam Richards, a former Downing Street adviser and founder of pro-growth think tank Britain Remade, said: "The amount that people are having to pay for rent, especially in London, is simply out of control. It is astonishing that the rent paid for a one-bedroom flat in the capital will get you a three-bedroom home in the rest of England."
Richards believes the solution lies in reforming our outdated planning system to build more homes. He said: "Not only will this allow young people to once again fulfil their dreams of owning their own homes, but it is also critical to boosting productivity and job creation in and around our major cities."
He concluded: "Until we build the homes Britain needs, millions of people up and down the country will be denied the dream of home ownership, while renters will be condemned to paying ever increasing eye-watering rents." The Hyde Group survey, conducted by Savanta, gathered responses from 2,226 people between September 6 and October 16.
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