The state of UK housing: From safe as houses to crisis calling

This updated housing briefing offers an overview of the Government's latest announcements on housing, as well as analysis of existing policy.

Report published on 6 September 2012 by Joe Sarling

 High house prices and under-provision of housing in both the occupier and rental markets are long standing issues in the UK. House prices have increased in the UK over a long period: by 273 percent in real terms since 1959.  The rate of increase has accelerated in recent years; since 1997 house prices have doubled while earnings have only increased by 28 percent, illustrating the increasing affordability problem.

In September 2012 a series of policy initiatives were announced aimed at boosting supply and increasing access to housing. These policies have been summarised in this updated briefing.