Housing body says government 3m target 'almost impossible'

The National Housing Federation (NHF) has warned it will be “almost impossible” for the government to reach its target of building 3m homes by 2020.

It claims that without immediate intervention, only about 1.6m homes will be delivered by the deadline and that the rest might not be built until 2029.

It has predicted the number of homes being built is likely to stay between 100,000 and 110,000 in the short-term and 160,000 in the long-term.

NHF chief executive David Orr told the Guardian: “With the global credit crunch worsening, and conditions getting tougher for all housebuilders, it is time to recognise the very commendable 2020 target is now almost impossible.

“The climate for housebuilding has changed beyond all recognition, for private developers and social housebuilders.

“The number of homes being built is falling, and we need the government to take further action.”

The government remains committed to the target.