Survey finds Gen Z most in favour of new homes nearby, while infrastructure concerns dominate objections
Support for new homes being built within three miles of where people live stands at 43% among UK adults, nearly double the 22% who oppose such development, according to research published by Barclays.
The findings, from Barclays Property Insights, show that backing for local housebuilding is strongest among younger age groups. Half of Gen Z respondents (51%) support nearby development, compared with 48% of Millennials, 42% of Gen X and 37% of Baby Boomers. Opposition increases with age, rising from 16% among Gen Z to 26% among Baby Boomers, though even among older respondents support outweighs resistance.
Regionally, Northern Ireland recorded the highest levels of support for local housebuilding, while opposition was most concentrated in the South East of England.
Infrastructure concerns drive objections
Among those opposed to local development, the most commonly cited reason was loss of green space, countryside or natural habitat (61%), followed by pressure on services such as general practitioners (GPs) and schools (57%), increased traffic and congestion (55%) and insufficient local infrastructure (52%).
Only 7% cited potential reductions in their own home's value as a reason for opposing development.
More than a quarter (26%) of those currently opposed said additional GP and healthcare capacity would make them more likely to support local building. Investment in roads and infrastructure was cited by 18%, while increased green space and community facilities was mentioned by 15%.
When asked what the government should prioritise on housing over the next three years, the most common response among UK adults was building social or affordable housing (32%), followed by reducing homelessness (28%) and making it easier for first-time buyers to enter the market (25%). Among Gen Z respondents, helping first-time buyers ranked first, cited by 29%.
Confidence gaps among buyers
Six in 10 adults (60%) said they feel confident in their understanding of and ability to navigate the home buying process, while 28% said they do not. Among those lacking confidence, the conveyancing and legal process and understanding taxes and fees were each cited by 37% as areas of uncertainty, followed by managing paperwork and documentation (32%).
For Gen Z, concerns were more concentrated on financial matters. Saving for a deposit was cited by 39% as an area of low confidence, while 36% said they were uncertain about how much they could afford to borrow.
Separate Barclays mortgage data shows that the majority of property purchases are for houses, with flats more prevalent among first-time buyers. Previous Barclays research also found that 85% of owner-occupied homes in England and Wales contain at least one spare bedroom, suggesting potential capacity within existing housing stock if downsizing barriers — including high transaction costs and a shortage of suitable properties — were addressed.
"New homes are critical to easing tension in the housing supply, but attitudes towards development are nuanced," said Jatin Patel (pictured right), head of mortgages, savings and insurance at Barclays. "While UK consumers are broadly supportive of efforts to increasing housing supply, this has to be in step with investment in local infrastructure, healthcare and transport links.
"Homeowners also need confidence that they can navigate the process of buying, selling and financing a move. Supporting mobility throughout the market, from first-time buyers getting onto the ladder to homeowners right-sizing into properties that better suit their needs, will be key to helping more people achieve their housing ambitions."
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