Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property118. Read the original article for full details.
Barclays Research Shows Stronger Support Than Opposition for Local Housebuilding
New research from Barclays indicates that more UK adults support local housebuilding than oppose it. According to the findings, 43% of UK adults are in favour of new homes being built within three miles of where they live, compared to 22% who are opposed.
The research challenges the common perception that most residents are “NIMBYs” (Not In My Back Yard), with the data suggesting the UK is more “YIMBY” (Yes In My Back Yard) than previously thought. The figures show that support for local development is nearly twice as high as opposition.
Support by Age and Region
Support for new homes is strongest among younger adults. The research reports that 51% of Gen Z adults support local housebuilding, followed by 48% of Millennials, 42% of Gen X, and 37% of Baby Boomers. Opposition to local housebuilding rises with age, from 16% among Gen Z to 26% among Baby Boomers. Barclays did not provide opposition figures for Millennials or Gen X in the release.
Regionally, Northern Ireland recorded the highest support at 53%, with Wales close behind at 52%. Every region surveyed had more supporters than opponents, though the margin was narrower in parts of southern England. In the South East, 36% supported local housebuilding while 35% opposed it. The release did not provide regional sample sizes or further breakdowns of remaining responses.
Implications for Letting Agents and Inventory Clerks
For UK letting agents and inventory clerks, these findings highlight shifting attitudes towards local development, particularly among younger generations and in certain regions. The data may influence future demand for rental properties and the types of communities being developed.
Source: Property118