UK Builders See Brownfields, Self-Build, High Rise Affordable Opportunities

Influenced perhaps by its physical location in North America, affordablehousingaction.org finds itself in constant pushback against a simple-minded housing industry view: if governments would only eliminate regulations, builders would be able to build like crazy. The mechanisms of the free market would in turn somehow permit them to deliver to the public exactly what it wants, where it wants it, at prices everyone can afford.¹

Sure.

It’s a relief therefore, to come across a housing industry analysis — this time from the UK — which provides a useful discussion of housing shortfall problems in both the purchase and rental market. It does so without exclusively focusing on the affordability needs of various strata of the hardworking middle class. It nods appropriately towards the importance of addressing low income/social rent concerns and as well acknowledges the growing homelessness crisis.

All this is provided while proposing three areas of practical opportunity to help solve the housing crisis: brownfields², self-build³, and urban core high-rise apartment buildings.

Not a peep about chucking housing regulations out the window!

Read more in pbctoday: The Challenge Of Creating Sufficient Affordable Housing 

1. In Researcher Drags Inclusionary Zoning Through The Mud To Good Purpose, we reported an article critical of inclusionary zoning (based on the author’s research) followed by a lengthy opinion advocating a housing construction industry unfettered by regulations such as restrictive zoning.
2. Brownfields: What Are They? What Can They Offer Affordable Housing?
3. What is Self-Build? Individuals or groups who act as their own developer and/or builder, often using ‘Sweat Equity’ — investing in a home by contributing labour rather than financial investment.