<p>More than 70% of the British public think the government is responsible for solving the nation’s housing crisis, according to research published by the Home Builders Federation. </p> <p>But fewer than one in five think politicians understand the issues young people face when trying to access the property ladder, with HBF calling on government to “do more to understand the challenges” of young households.</p> <p>The survey, <i><a href="https://www.hbf.co.uk/documents/12837/Housing_the_Nation_Report_HBF_A4_V13_FINAL.pdf"><span>Housing the Nation,</span></a> </i>based on responses from 1,851 participants, reveals that 78% of respondents agree that the UK has a housing crisis. And to solve the shortage, 68% say building homes is “vital”, according to HBF. </p> <p>Seventy two percent believe the government should fix the housing malaise, with 71% saying the crisis is dividing the nation. Yet only 18% of respondents think politicians “truly understand” the challenges for young people of accessing home ownership. </p> <p>A still-low 55% think alleviating the shortage “is actually a priority for politicians”. And 72% express concern over future generations’ prospects with the housing market.</p> <p>More than 40% agree with the statement: “Housing will be an important factor in determining who I vote for at the next general election.”</p> <p>HBF said older age groups showed the strongest …