UK thinks it is “in the throes of a housing crisis”, according to new poll
By now most are all too aware of the soaring cost of housing, leading to "generation rent" and pushing people outside city centres.
But a new poll has revealed the extent to which people are concerned about the housing crisis.
According to a poll for the Observer on attitudes to housing, 69 per cent of people think the UK is "in the throes of a housing crisis".
Some 71 per cent of those who want to own a home doubt the ability to buy one without financial help from family members, while more than two-thirds (67 per cent) would like to buy their own home "one day", and 37 per cent believe buying will remain out of their reach for good. A further 26 per cent think it will take them up to five years.
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Those surveyed said that immigration and a glut of foreign investment into the UK property market were driving prices higher.
The poll reveals the challenge facing the government, which has identified housing a key concern.
Not only the government, but all of London's mayoral candidates have pledged to help resolve the housing crisis if elected.
But the government has come under fire for some of its proposals. Its flagship policy of starter homes was proposed ahead of the General Election last year, and would see all first-time buyers under the age of 40 given a 20 per cent discount on starter homes.
Read more: Asking prices reach record highs due to first-time seller surge
However, those opposed to the bill argue that the homes are not really affordable, as only middle and higher income earners would be able to qualify for homes. In London, the properties would cost up to £450,000.
Housing charity Shelter said someone would need an annual income of £76,957 in London, or £50,266 in the rest of the country, to buy a starter home – well above the average wages.
The government's pledge to offer families the right to buy housing association homes has also proved contentious.