Housing boom misunderstood
The real truth behind the recent UK housing boom is a mystery to most homebuyers says a new report

Just because the general public has been enjoying the recent housing boom in the UK, it doesn't necessarily mean they understand why it is happening, according to new research. When asked who is to blame for high prices, 31% of homebuyers cited property investors and immigrants as the villains, while the real culprit, stable low interest rates and inflation, came bottom of the poll, at just 6.3%. Twice as many people (12.6% compared to 6.8%) reproached the government for the shortage of homes to buy; yet typically, it is town councils that block residential development. And only 12.2% felt subsidies should be given to first-time buyers and 15.1% gave the cold shoulder to property investors, believing they should be taxed more than everyone else. Those concerned about the omnipresence of the nanny state might be surprised to see that 91% of respondents expect the government to take action when it comes to housing problems and an astonishing one-fifth (20.5%) are keen on the government restricting immigration as a way of controlling house prices. The strength of appetite for government interference is quite startling while the housing market is already showing signs of cooling naturally, says Warren Bright from Propertyfinder, who carried out the survey. 'Whitehall's role should not extend beyond ensuring the smooth running of a free market,' he said.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Country Life is unlike any other magazine: the only glossy weekly on the newsstand and the only magazine that has been guest-edited by HRH The King not once, but twice. It is a celebration of modern rural life and all its diverse joys and pleasures — that was first published in Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee year. Our eclectic mixture of witty and informative content — from the most up-to-date property news and commentary and a coveted glimpse inside some of the UK's best houses and gardens, to gardening, the arts and interior design, written by experts in their field — still cannot be found in print or online, anywhere else.
-
A well-connected rural playground with 23 acres on the edge of the South Downs National Park
Old House Farm is an impressive family home with a wealth of amenities that would inspire any rural passion.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
The UK gets its first ‘European stork village’ — and it's in West Sussex
Although the mortality rate among white storks can be up to 90%, the future looks rosy for breeding pairs in southern England.
By Rosie Paterson Published