Widespread industry scepticism around the government’s ambitious new housing target has been revealed by the results of a poll from a recent webinar by property risk management firm Countrywide Surveying Services (CSS).
During a recent session of the CSS webinar series, 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.
Some 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% of attendees in favour and 53% opposed.
The interactive webinar engaged over 300 property professionals, including lenders, brokers, surveyors and other key stakeholders, and provided a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the housebuilding sector as it prepares for a transformative 2025.
Commenting on the poll results, 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.”
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.”
