Barclays: 43% of UK Adults Support Local Housing Development
Market Updates

Barclays: 43% of UK Adults Support Local Housing Development

By Dr. Priya Sharma, Property Markets Analyst · 25 August 2026 · 1 min read

Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Strategy. Read the original article for full details.

Barclays Report: 43% of UK Adults Back Local New Homes

A new Barclays Property Insights report reveals that 43% of UK adults support new homes being built within three miles of where they live. This is nearly double the 22% who oppose local development.

The report highlights that building social or affordable housing is the top housing policy priority for 32% of UK adults. Reducing homelessness is the next most important issue for 28%, followed by helping first-time buyers onto the property ladder at 25%.

Support for local housing development is highest among Gen Z adults, with 51% in favour and only 16% opposed. The findings indicate that younger people are particularly supportive of new homes in their area.

For letting agents and inventory clerks, these insights reflect a broad public backing for increased housing supply, especially in the social and affordable sectors. The data may signal future demand for rental properties and related services as new developments progress.


Source: Mortgage Strategy
About the author
Dr. Priya Sharma
Property Markets Analyst

Dr. Priya Sharma writes The Property AI's data-led coverage of UK property markets — rental indices, sold-price trends, mortgage flows, and regional analysis. Articles bylined Dr. Sharma cite ONS, Land Registry, Bank of England, and primary research data.

PhD Economics. Specialises in: ONS Index of Private Housing Rental Prices, Land Registry data, regional rental analysis, mortgage approvals trends.

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