HBF warns of severe housing crisis

Britain's housing crisis looks set to worsen after research revealed today (Wednesday) indicated population growth is higher than expected while the number of single person households has also rocketed .

The problem is so serious, according to the House Builders Federation (HBF), that it is warning that the massive increase in solo living will exacerbate Britain's already serious housing crisis.

Projections for the number of new homes needed over the next 20 years have been calculated on 1996 figures. But a newly-published report from the Office of National Statistics says the population is likely to jump from 59.8 million in 2000 to 64.8 million in 2025 - 600,000 more than originally anticipated.

The latest research from the Halifax also reveals an unprecedented rise in the number of Britons choosing to live alone in their own homes.

In 2001, 40% of homes were bought by single buyers compared to just a quarter in 1983. In London the figures are even more stark with half of all homes bought by singles.

Pierre Williams, HBF spokesman, said: "With new housing completions at their lowest for 77 years, Britain is only building two-thirds of the homes it needs. The trend for solo living and the indications that population growth will be higher than expected, can only exacerbate the shortage of homes.

"The deputy prime minister has recently promised to address this by improving the planning system and ensuring that local authorities allow more homes to be built where they are needed.

"These figures should impress upon government the need for immediate action," he said.