What’s in the news : Are micro homes the answer to housing shortages?

According to new research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), which asked 2,000 homeowners across the UK on their opinions on the housing shortage, co-living developments and micro homes in urban areas are preferred solutions.

Popularity of micro-housing is clearly growing. In 2017, over 7,800 micro-homes were constructed in Britain, up from 5,600 in 2015.

There is currently a huge strain on space in central city districts. With demands for accomodation and work space at an all time high, a call for a new way of living is required.

Escalating house prices are putting pressures on younger generations and fuelling the need for affordable housing. It is thought that housing prices have now reached almost seven times people’s income, making it harder and harder for first time buyers to reach the property ladder.

Space-saving, affordable micro homes are concepts being explored worldwide which could meet the requirements of cash-strapped consumers.

Compact in space, these micro-houses are built in urban communities and are inspired by the cabins of luxury yachts and first-class plane cabins.

Will they solve the housing crisis?

Not everyone believes they are the answer to the current housing crisis.

Space is a luxury for those living in central urban areas, where space equals premium prices.

Critics have labelled micro-homes as ‘dog kennels’ because of the limit on space, many believing that homes which are of ‘minimum space standard’ aren’t the answer to the housing crisis.

On the other hand, micro-homes are designed with purpose, and can still provide the same quality of living as ‘normal’ sized homes- by making use of every corner of the property.

Could micro-homes be the future?

At the moment, micro-housing continues to grow in popularity. It’s important that if micro-homes were to offer a solution to the housing crisis, that they are decent homes which are affordable for those occupying them and not for the purpose of housing developer’s profits.

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