Houses? We'll have them just as soon as the paperwork's done
By PINEAPPLE NEST · Published
Waiting for homes, like waiting for a kettle to boil in the North Pole
You know that feeling when you're absolutely starving, and you put a frozen pizza in the oven, then realise the oven isn't even switched on? Or perhaps you're in a hurry for a cup of tea, and you fill the kettle, switch it on, and then forget about it, only to find it stone cold half an hour later? That's what this latest housing report feels like to me. All the talk, all the targets, and then... well, not quite.
It seems we're collectively waiting for some very important pieces of paper to move from one desk to another, and for a few more drains to be dug. A new report from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) confirmed recently that the UK is on track to miss its annual house building target by about 20% this year, a shortfall of around 50,000 homes. They put it down to planning application hold-ups and a lack of essential infrastructure, like roads and pipes. You can read the full report summary on the gov.uk site if you like.
My hot take: It's not *just* about building more
Everyone immediately jumps to "we need to build more houses!" and yes, of course, we do. But it's a bit like saying "we need more food" when half the food in the supermarket is stuck behind a delivery lorry that can't get out of the depot because the road's blocked. The problem isn't just the overall number of homes being built; it's the fact that the homes we *could* be building are getting snarled up in red tape. It's a system issue, not just a supply issue. And it affects everyone, whether you're trying to get on the ladder or move up it.
The real head-scratcher is that even when homes are ready, the buying and selling process itself can add months of delay. If we can't build homes fast enough, the least we can do is make sure the ones that *are* there can change hands smoothly.
What this means for sellers: patience is still a virtue (and a necessity)
For those looking to sell, this shortfall doesn't necessarily mean prices will rocket across the board. The market is complex, influenced by interest rates from the Bank of England and broader economic conditions. However, fewer new homes generally means existing properties face less competition from brand-new builds. This can be good news if your home is well-presented and in a sought-after area.
However, the flip side is that if you're selling to buy something else, your own onward purchase might be just as tricky to secure. It's a bit like playing musical chairs when someone keeps taking chairs away mid-song. A recent study found that a significant percentage of property chains are still collapsing, making things even more unpredictable. Planning ahead and getting your own ducks in a row – like making sure your finances are sorted or having your current home valued accurately – becomes even more important.
What this means for buyers: finding your needle in a shrinking haystack
Buyers, I know, it's tough out there. Fewer new homes entering the market means that the existing stock becomes even more precious. This is where you might feel the pinch most directly. Data from the UK Land Registry and Registers of Scotland consistently shows regional variations in house prices, but overall, supply pressures usually keep prices firm.
It's tempting to panic, but panicking doesn't help. Instead, focus on being prepared. Get your mortgage agreement in principle sorted. Know exactly what you can afford. Consider looking at properties that might need a little love, as these can sometimes offer a foot on the ladder where ready-to-move-into homes are snapped up quickly. Also, thinking a bit outside the box for location can be really helpful; sometimes the next town over, or even a less "fashionable" side of your preferred area, can offer much better value. Need some inspiration? You could check out articles on places like England's best station towns or finding a family's happy place in Leeds.
What to do right now: get smart, not stressed
This news isn't a call to throw your hands up. It's a reminder to be strategic. Whether you're buying or selling, being fully prepared can save you a lot of grief. Make sure all your paperwork is in order, your finances are checked, and you understand the local market. Using resources like MoneyHelper can provide unbiased advice on buying your home.
The less friction there is in your own transaction, the better. That's where platforms like Pineapple Nest come in. We can't build homes faster, but we can make the process of finding and securing one more straightforward. With fewer unnecessary fees and direct communication, your property journey can be a bit less like navigating a maze blindfolded. You don't have to wait for the whole system to speed up before you can make your own move quicker.
So, while the powers-that-be wrestle with planning permissions and digging trenches, you can take control of your own bit of the housing market. Why wait for the official kettle to boil when you can just plug in your own? Ready to get started? Why not take a look around or create an account with Pineapple Nest.