HBF details actions needed in extended housing “blueprint”

The Home Builders Federation has extended its housebuilding “blueprint”, originally published in the lead up to the general election. Its document now details the specific actions the new government should take to address falling home ownership and supply, resolve systemic issues in the planning system and produce a “future talent pipeline” to deliver more high quality, green homes.

The follow-up version of Homebuilding: An engine for growth, prosperity and opportunity explains the main problems the industry currently faces, offering solutions for each.

It outlines the challenges making it increasingly difficult for first time buyers to access the housing ladder. A solution, it states, is for the government to introduce a new, targeted home ownership scheme for first time buyers “who want to buy a new, energy efficient property”.

HBF also calls for an expansion of green mortgages and removing stamp duty from homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B or above.

The blueprint poses the problem of an ageing population and an inadequate supply of suitable housing. HBF offers the requirement that all local planning authorities assess the demand for all forms and tenures of housing for older people. And the government should …