The research will use both primary and secondary data to understand how demographic, spatial and economic changes will impact on affordable housing demand now and in the future (over the next 5 / 10 / 20 years). It will then use this understanding to inform key business and policy decisions and help develop the Housing Corporation’s market intelligence, in particular focusing on future investment decisions, viability of existing stock and future markets and options for potential new products.
This research was one of a number of flagship research projects to inform the Tenant Services Authority's (formerly the Housing Corporation) key business priorities. It was expected to provide key business intelligence in relation to housing associations’ existing stock and future investment options. It may also be useful to local authorities and others in understanding future housing demand. The research explored the linkages between subsidised housing and the wider market, and contribute to the current debate on understanding the whole housing market at a very practical level. It was therefore relevant to the work of regional housing boards, shortly to be merged with regional spatial planning bodies.
The aims of the research were to
- understand how demographic, spatial and economic changes will impact on affordable housing demand now and in the future (over the next 5 / 10 / 20 years)
- use this understanding to inform key business and policy decisions and develop the Housing Corporation’s market intelligence, in particular focusing on future investment decisions, viability of existing stock and future markets and options for potential new products.
Executive Summary - Understanding demographic, spatial and economic impacts on future affordable housing demand
The research uses both primary and secondary data to understand how demographic, spatial and economic changes will impact on affordable housing demand now and in the future (over the next 5 / 10 / 20 years).
Paper One - The Profile of Affordable Housing Residents
The profile of affordable housing residents examines the current profile of affordable housing residents in terms of age, gender, ethnicity and working status. It then proceeds to look at the future composition of the sector if current trends remain the same and considers some of the key drivers likely to alter this profile.
Paper Two - Living in Affordable Housing
Living in Affordable Housing examines what residents think of living in affordable housing. It sets out what is known about design preferences overall before exploring what affordable housing residents particularly like and dislike about their homes and considers what could be done to better meet the aspirations of those within the sector.
Paper Three – Moving Within and Leaving Social Housing
Moving Within and Leaving Social Housing focuses on social rented housing and examines the profile of households that leave the tenure, the reasons for leaving, and where they move to. It also looks at the profile of households that move within the tenure, and their reasons for moving.
Paper Four – Moving into social housing
Moving into Social Housing considers demand for social housing amongst those not currently in the sector and examines the profile of the client group seeking social housing. It looks at why people do or do not apply for affordable housing and then proceeds to examine the profile of those who have actually entered the sector in recent years.
Paper Five – Tenure aspirations and shared ownership
Tenure Aspirations and Shared Ownership examines the profile of those currently living in shared ownership and then looks at demand for the tenure by considering the reasons why households apply or do not apply for it.
Paper Six - Affordable Housing in London: Needs and Provision, Aspirations and Realities
Affordable Housing in London: Needs and Provision, Aspirations and Realities focuses on London. London’s sheer size, as well as its economic and political importance mean that it has a housing system that is qualitatively different to other parts of the UK. This paper examines the role of affordable, and particularly, social rented housing within that system. It looks at evidence about the scale of housing need and housing supply in the city, the and also at the longer-term housing aspirations of less well-off Londoners.
Paper Seven – BME Housing needs and aspirations
Black and Minority Ethnic Housing needs and aspirations examines the housing needs and aspirations of Britain’s largest Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) populations. It sets out to identify how demographic, spatial and economic factors have influenced BME populations’ tenure patters to the date, and how changes in these patters may affect the demand for affordable housing from BME populations in the future. This paper also explores the ways in which BME households’ needs and preferences differ from those of White Britons.
Paper Eight – Regional differences in demand for Affordable Housing
Regional differences in demand for Affordable Housing examines the spatial impacts on demand for affordable housing. It does this by investigating the key differences between the regions and looking at indications of demand to draw out key differences. It then looks at how the profile of those living in social housing differs between the regions. The paper also explores some of the key differences in different types of areas found throughout the country.
Source Document - Understanding demographic, spatial and economic impacts on future affordable housing demand
The research uses both primary and secondary data to understand how demographic, spatial and economic changes will impact on affordable housing demand now and in the future (over the next 5 / 10 / 20 years).