social housing market

Over the past century, there has been a major shift in the significance of both private and social rental housing in Britain. Since 1980, there has been a decrease in social rental housing, mostly due to the Right to Buy policy and a lack of government support. For those fortunate enough to have access, social rental housing has offered secure, affordable housing, but there is currently a chronic shortage of it.

​

More than ever, people are finding it difficult to afford secure housing. For several years to come, there will be a greater demand than supply for affordable housing.

​

In England, there are more than 1.2 million households on the waiting list for social housing as of 2023. Approximately 100,000 households are housed in temporary accommodation.

​

Less than 7,000 social dwellings were constructed last year, while 29,000 were sold or demolished. Compared to 1980, there are currently 1.4 million fewer households in social housing in England.