Barclays survey shows UK support for local housebuilding outweighs opposition 43% to 22%
BCS•UK housing policy priorities and local housebuilding sentiment
Barclays research showed UK housing policy priorities led by social or affordable housing at 32%, ahead of reducing homelessness at 28%.
Survey found 43% support new homes within 3 miles of where they live, versus 22% opposed, signaling YIMBY sentiment.
Gen Z recorded the strongest backing for local housebuilding at 51%, with opposition at 16%, pointing to generational demand pressure.
Opposition centered on capacity constraints, led by loss of green space at 61% and pressure on local services at 57%.
Mortgage data for July 2026 showed houses dominated completions: 81.7% for first-time buyers, 88.6% for non-first-time buyers.
