Build now or pay later? Funding new housing supply

Article

Policymakers of all political parties recognise the pressing need for us to build more homes in this country. In this paper, the third in IPPR's series of briefing papers as part of its fundamental review of housing policy, we turn to a question that is vexing policymakers in government and elsewhere: 'If we are to increase housing supply, how are we to pay for it?'

The paper does not dwell on how better to use the country's existing housing stock - that will be the subject of the next paper in the series - but instead, on how we can afford to increase that stock. We concentrate on three key ideas - focused on institutional investment, the role of local authorities and recapitalising public spending in housing - as well as additional proposals around expanding the nascent Green Investment Bank into a true National Investment Bank and reform of the development industry.

Related items

  1. A person sits at a desk in front of a laptop. A semi-transparent screen shows a digital AI agent

    Strike while AI is hot: Rebuilding worker power for the age of AI

    How worker power should be reanimated in the face of AI-driven labour market shocks.
  2. The exterior of the Ministry of Defence building

    The Europe agenda: Defence and security

    In this period of geopolitical chaos, greater defence and security integration offer a fruitful way for the UK to deepen its relationship with Europe.
  3. Rear view of unrecognizable people walking together on the street

    A tough hand: Why rising youth inactivity demands urgent action

    On Thursday, new data will likely show the number of young people who will be out of education, employment or training (NEET) will surpass 1 million for the first time since 2013.