Identity local development say additional GP and healthcare capacity would make them more likely to be supportive. This is followed by investment in roads and infrastructure( 18 per cent) and increasing green space and community facilities( 15 per cent).
Buyer intentions have also shifted in recent years, which could reshape the demand for different property types. Barclays mortgage data shows that the majority of property purchases are for houses, though flats are more common among first-time buyers. Many younger buyers are also opting for‘ forever homes’, as previous Barclays Property Insights research2 found that 33 per cent of recent Gen Z buyers said they bought a‘ forever home’ so that they wouldn’ t have to move. Similarly, 27 per cent of all buyers said they intended to stay in their new home for at least 10 years.
A simpler route into homes is crucial
Increasing housing supply may not translate fully into greater housing mobility unless consumers also feel equipped to move
home. Alongside new development, previous Barclays research found that 85 per cent of owner-occupied homes in England and Wales contain at least one spare bedroom3, highlighting the potential role of downsizing in unlocking capacity within the existing housing stock. However, high transaction costs and a shortage of suitable homes pose a barrier for many.
Confidence in navigating the process of buying a home also holds many movers back. Six in ten adults( 60 per cent) feel confident in their understanding of and ability to navigate the home buying process, but more than a quarter do not( 28 per cent). Among those lacking confidence, the biggest areas of uncertainty are the conveyancing and legal process( 37 per cent) and understanding taxes and fees( 37 per cent), followed by managing paperwork and documentation( 32 per cent).
For younger consumers, the challenges are more focused on affordability and finance. Gen Z adults cite saving for a deposit( 39 per cent) and understanding how much they can afford to borrow( 36 per cent) as areas where they feel least confident.
Jatin Patel, Head of Mortgages, Savings and Insurance at Barclays, said:“ New homes are critical to easing tension in the housing supply, but attitudes towards development are nuanced. While UK consumers are broadly supportive of efforts to increasing housing supply, this has to be in step with investment in local infrastructure, healthcare and transport links.
“ Homeowners also need confidence that they can navigate the process of buying, selling and financing a move. Supporting mobility throughout the market, from first time buyers getting onto the ladder to homeowners rightsizing into properties that better suit their needs, will be key to helping more people achieve their housing ambitions.”
Adrian MacDiarmid, Head of Mortgage Lender Relations at Barratt Redrow, said:“ It’ s really encouraging to see strong support for building more homes, particularly among younger people who face the greatest barriers to home ownership. With Gen Z the most supportive of local housebuilding, the findings highlight the importance of increasing housing supply for future generations.
“ The research also confirms that people want development to be accompanied by investment in infrastructure and public services. That’ s why housebuilders have such an important role to play, delivering not only the homes communities need, including affordable housing, but also funding and investing in local facilities that help communities thrive. Housebuilding is one of the UK’ s most important economic drivers, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and generating investment in communities. With the right partnerships and local leadership, we can deliver growth that creates lasting social and economic value.”
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