Brits are more YIMBY than NIMBY, research claims

More than two out of five British adults support new homes being built within three miles of where they live, research suggests.

The latest Property Insights Report from Barclays highlights that people are more likely to be YIMBYs – those who support neighbouring developments – than NIMBYs who don’t.

The research found that building social or affordable housing is the top housing policy priority for 32% of adults, followed by reducing homelessness at 28% and helping first-time buyers onto the property ladder at 22%.

UK consumers are broadly supportive of efforts to increasing housing supply, this has to be in step with investment in local infrastructure, healthcare and transport links.”

Barclays said 43% of adults support new homes being built within three miles of where they live, almost twice the proportion who oppose local development.

Support for housebuilding is strongest among younger adults, with half of Gen Z supporting new homes locally, followed by 48% of Millennials, 42% of Gen X and 36% of Baby Boomers.

Opposition rises with age, from 16% among Gen Z to 26% among Baby Boomers.

Jatin Patel, Head of Mortgages, Savings and Insurance at Barclays, says: “New homes are critical to easing tension in the housing supply, but attitudes towards development are nuanced. While UK consumers are broadly supportive of efforts to increasing housing supply, this has to be in step with investment in local infrastructure, healthcare and transport links.

New homes are critical to easing tension in the housing supply, but attitudes towards development are nuanced.”

“Homeowners also need confidence that they can navigate the process of buying, selling and financing a move. Supporting mobility throughout the market, from first time buyers getting onto the ladder to homeowners right-sizing into properties that better suit their needs, will be key to helping more people achieve their housing ambitions.”

Beyond housebuilding

Commenting on the research, Nathan Emerson, Chief Executive at Propertymark, adds: “The findings underline an important point: the conversation around housing cannot stop at how many homes we build, but must also consider whether the market is delivering the right homes, in the right places, for the people who need them.

“We see the consequences when supply does not reflect local demand. New development needs to create a genuinely functioning housing market, with a mix of tenures and property types that supports people at different stages of life, not simply add headline numbers to housing targets.

Looking beyond supply

“There is also a need to look beyond new-build supply and make better use of the homes we already have. A healthy housing market depends on people being able to move when their circumstances change, whether that means a first-time buyer purchasing their first home, a growing family moving up the ladder or an older homeowner finding a property that better suits their needs.

“The research also highlights the importance of making the process of buying and selling as straightforward as possible. When people lack confidence around the transaction process, or face uncertainty around costs and paperwork, that can create additional friction in an already complex market.

“The public clearly sees housing as a social issue, but the findings also demonstrate how interconnected the market is. More homes, greater choice and the ability for people to move through the market all play a role in creating a housing market that works for consumers at different stages of their lives.”