Towards closing the housing gap in the UK: exploration of the influencing factors and the way forward

Abstract

Purpose Housing provides constructed space for human activities. Literature indicates that housing impacts wealth, education attainment and health outcomes, among others. Because of its contributions to society, it is essential to develop and implement strategies that address the housing shortage experienced in most cities across the globe. This study aims to unpack the factors affecting housing production in the UK and chart the way forward. Design/methodology/approach In addressing this study's aim, an interprivitst approach was adopted and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 experienced professionals. Data were collected across the four nations of the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). Findings The results indicated that the opportunistic behaviour of stakeholders is one of the main factors affecting housing production in the study area. Also, modern construction methods, collaborative practices, government intervention and affordable housing schemes were identified as key strategies for addressing housing production factors. Practical implications This study identified strategies for mitigating housing production issues that provide a focal point to all stakeholders keen on filling the housing shortage gap and improving productivity to channel their resources and effort accordingly. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to empirically analyse the influencing factors on the housing gap in the UK from the perspective of the supply side to provide information that could lead towards closing the said gap.

Exploring the Use of Lean, Offsite and Simulation in Housing Delivery: Evidence from the UK

“…For instance, LOS can be used to identify the best area to locate a crane for unloading precast components being delivered to a confined site in an urban area. [9] highlighted that integration of LOS would add value to the process of housing delivery. Additionally, the study identified several factors which will support the use of LOS in housing delivery, as shown in Figure 2.…”

“…Additionally, Olanrewaju et al (2018) [7] and Ritson (2023) [8] pointed out that the housing construction projects in the UK are encouraged to implement energy efficient and sustainable construction methods to achieve the Net Zero carbon targets by 2050. Furthermore, Daniel et al (2022) [9] highlighted that supply chain management (SCM), issues related to the skills and operations, land matters, opportunistic behaviour, and demand and supply are the main factors which are influencing housing production in the UK construction industry. The limitations of traditional construction methods have been identified as the reason for widening the demand and supply gap of housing delivery in the UK [10].…”

Hybrid Study of Quantitative–Qualitative Analysis to Recognize the Most Cost-Effectiveness Criteria to Develop Affordable Mass Housing

“…Until 2030, there is a need to build 96,150 residential units every day. As a result, in developing countries, bad governance has limited access to suitable housing [12]. According to a United Nations study, 50% of the world's population currently lives in cities.…”

“…Qualitative data collection and analysis Industrialized building systems [12] Analysis of the housing shortage strategies…”