NIMBYism is now in the minority as support for local housing development is nearly twice as common as opposition, with the strongest backing from Gen Z, new research from Barclays shows.
Those with concerns around housebuilding are most likely to be persuaded into support by ensuring investment in local infrastructure and public services keeps pace with development, benefitting existing local communities. Consumers also most commonly cite increasing social and affordable housing as the top issue the new government should prioritise in housing policy.
However, the research also highlights broader barriers to housing mobility, with more than a quarter of UK adults (28%) lacking confidence in their ability to navigate the home-buying process.
When asked what the government should prioritise on housing over the next three years, UK adults most often cited building social or affordable housing (32%), followed by reducing homelessness (28%) and making it easier for first-time buyers to get on the housing ladder (25%). For Gen Z, helping first-time buyers is the leading priority, cited by 29%.
Younger adults lead support for local housebuilding
More than two in five UK adults (43%) support new homes being built within three miles of where they live, nearly twice the proportion who oppose local development (22%).
Support for housebuilding is strongest among younger adults, with half (51%) of Gen Z supporting new homes locally, followed by 48% of Millennials, 42% of Gen X and 37% of Baby Boomers. Opposition rises with age, from 16% among Gen Z to 26% among Baby Boomers, although support remains higher than opposition even among older respondents.
There are also notable regional differences, with Northern Ireland topping the regions most supportive of local housebuilding, while opposition is focused around the South East of England.
The findings suggest that opposition to housebuilding often reflects concerns about whether local communities can absorb growth, rather than a blanket rejection of new homes. Among those who oppose local development, loss of green space, countryside or natural habitat is the leading reason for opposition (61%), followed by pressure on local services such as GPs and schools (57%), increased traffic and congestion (55%) and insufficient local infrastructure (52%). By contrast, only 7% say they oppose development because it could reduce the value of their own home.
Buyer intentions have also shifted in recent years, which could reshape the demand for different property types. Barclays mortgage data shows that the majority of property purchases are for houses, though flats are more common among first-time buyers. Many younger buyers are also opting for ‘forever homes’, as previous Barclays research found that 33% of recent Gen Z buyers said they bought a ‘forever home’ so that they wouldn’t have to move. Similarly, 27% of all buyers said they intended to stay in their new home for at least 10 years.
A simpler route into homes is crucial
Increasing housing supply may not translate fully into greater housing mobility unless consumers also feel equipped to move home. Alongside new development, previous Barclays research found that 85% of owner-occupied homes in England and Wales contain at least one spare bedroom, highlighting the potential role of downsizing in unlocking capacity within the existing housing stock. However, high transaction costs and a shortage of suitable homes pose a barrier for many.
Confidence in navigating the process of buying a home also holds many movers back. Six in ten adults (60%) feel confident in their understanding of and ability to navigate the home buying process, but more than a quarter do not (28%). Among those lacking confidence, the biggest areas of uncertainty are the conveyancing and legal process (37%) and understanding taxes and fees (37%), followed by managing paperwork and documentation (32%).
For younger consumers, the challenges are more focused on affordability and finance. Gen Z adults cite saving for a deposit (39%) and understanding how much they can afford to borrow (36%) as areas where they feel least confident.
Jatin Patel, head of mortgages, savings and insurance at Barclays, said: “New homes are critical to easing tension in the housing supply, but attitudes towards development are nuanced. While UK consumers are broadly supportive of efforts to increasing housing supply, this has to be in step with investment in local infrastructure, healthcare and transport links.
“Homeowners also need confidence that they can navigate the process of buying, selling and financing a move. Supporting mobility throughout the market, from first time buyers getting onto the ladder to homeowners right-sizing into properties that better suit their needs, will be key to helping more people achieve their housing ambitions."
