UK Facing 860,000 Home Shortfall by 2029
The UK is facing a significant housing shortfall, with current trends suggesting a shortfall of 860,000 homes by 2029, according to research by Lanpro. This falls far short of Labour's goal, with the party on track to deliver only half of the promised homes before the next general election.
The report, based on official figures from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), highlights the stark contrast in performance among local authorities. While Preston exceeded its housebuilding targets by a remarkable 232%, Kensington and Chelsea delivered just 5% of required homes. The reasons for such disparities are not clear, as specific information about local authorities that have realized a significantly larger share than the average is not available.
The overall picture is one of underperformance. In 2024-25, only 196,500 homes were added to England's housing stock, a 10% drop below the long-term average. London and the South East, regions with high demand, met only 35% and 47% of their respective targets. Failure to address these issues may result in the target not being met, with significant government involvement and alignment with transport and energy planning necessary. A holistic, cross-departmental collaborative approach is required to meet the housing target, with record-breaking numbers of homes needing to be built in a short space of time.
The housing crisis in the UK is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention. With the current pace of housebuilding, the country is set to fall significantly short of its targets. To turn this around, a comprehensive strategy involving all relevant departments and local authorities is needed. The stark contrast in performance among local authorities underscores the need for a more coordinated and effective approach to housing.
