Could 2010 be the year of the ‘yimby’?

The dramatic slowdown in housebuilding during the recession has brought about a change in people’s attitudes towards development in their local area, according to research by SmartNewHomes.com. 

In an independent national survey carried out on behalf of the new homes website, over 90% of respondents agreed that the UK needed more homes, with over 60% saying they were 'very concerned' that too few homes were currently being built.

This growing concern over lack of supply appears to have gone some way towards dampening the ‘not-in-my-backyard’ (NIMBY) attitude which was synonymous with the homebuilding industry during the construction boom of the nineties.  A surprising 43% of respondents said they would not object to new homes being built in their local area.

The main reason people gave for their concern over the supply shortage was that their children, family and friends may not be able to afford to buy a home (86%). They were also worried about local people being priced out of the market in the area (61%) and the impact any major supply shortfall could have on prices.

David Bexon, Managing Director of SmartNewHomes.com, comments:

“It is clear that people are increasingly concerned by the lack of housebuilding, as they become more aware of the future implications of the supply crisis for them and their families.

“The fact that 43% of those surveyed said they would not object to new homes being built in their local area is quite remarkable, given traditional nimby attitudes, and suggests a definite softening perception towards local development.

“We are facing a one million shortfall of homes in England by the end of next year**, which will have a devastating effect on economic prosperity, wealth equality and public services, and is likely to bring about a second unsustainable house price boom. Softening attitudes from local communities towards development will help housebuilders achieve the planning consent they need, now that the industry is showing signs of recovery."

For more information and to search the database of new homes visit: smartnewhomes.com

* yimby - Yes, In My Back Yard
** Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA)