Britain is more YIMBY than NIMBY, as social housing tops consumers’ housing policy priorities

25 August 2026

• More than two in five UK adults support new homes being built within three miles of where they live (43 per cent), nearly twice the proportion who oppose local development (22 per cent)
• Building social or affordable housing is the top housing policy priority for UK adults (32 per cent), followed by reducing homelessness (28 per cent) and helping first-time buyers onto the ladder (25 per cent)
• Support is highest among Gen Z adults, with 51 per cent backing new homes locally, while only 16 per cent oppose them
• Barclays Property Insights analyses proprietary mortgage data alongside consumer research to uncover the key trends shaping the UK housing market

Barclays Property Insights reveals that NIMBYism1 is in the minority as support for local housing development is nearly twice as common as opposition, with the strongest backing from Gen Z. Those with concerns around housebuilding are most likely to be persuaded into support by ensuring investment in local infrastructure and public services keeps pace with development, benefitting existing local communities. Consumers also most commonly cite increasing social and affordable housing as the top issue the new government should prioritise in housing policy.

When asked what the Government should prioritise on housing over the next three years, UK adults most often cited building social or affordable housing (32 per cent), followed by reducing homelessness (28 per cent) and making it easier for first-time buyers to get on the housing ladder (25 per cent). For Gen Z, helping first-time buyers is the leading priority, cited by 29 per cent.

Younger adults lead support for local housebuilding

More than two in five UK adults (43 per cent) support new homes being built within three miles of where they live, nearly twice the proportion who oppose local development (22 per cent).

Support for housebuilding is strongest among younger adults, with half (51 per cent) of Gen Z supporting new homes locally, followed by 48 per cent of Millennials, 42 per cent of Gen X and 37 per cent of Baby Boomers. Opposition rises with age, from 16 per cent among Gen Z to 26 per cent among Baby Boomers, although support remains higher than opposition even among older respondents.

There are also notable regional differences, with Northern Ireland topping the regions most supportive of local housebuilding, while opposition is focused around the South East of England.

Concerns are practical, not purely personal

The findings suggest that opposition to housebuilding often reflects concerns about whether local communities can absorb growth, rather than a blanket rejection of new homes. Among those who oppose local development, loss of green space, countryside or natural habitat is the leading reason for opposition (61 per cent), followed by pressure on local services such as GPs and schools (57 per cent), increased traffic and congestion (55 per cent) and insufficient local infrastructure (52 per cent). By contrast, only 7 per cent say they oppose development because it could reduce the value of their own home.

Visible local benefits could build favour

The data also points to a clear route for building public support. More than a quarter (26 per cent) of those who oppose local development say additional GP and healthcare capacity would make them more likely to be supportive. This is followed by investment in roads and infrastructure (18 per cent) and increasing green space and community facilities (15 per cent).

Buyer intentions have also shifted in recent years, which could reshape the demand for different property types. Barclays mortgage data shows that the majority of property purchases are for houses, though flats are more common among first-time buyers. Many younger buyers are also opting for ‘forever homes’, as previous Barclays Property Insights research2 found that 33 per cent of recent Gen Z buyers said they bought a ‘forever home’ so that they wouldn’t have to move. Similarly, 27 per cent of all buyers said they intended to stay in their new home for at least 10 years.

A simpler route into homes is crucial

Increasing housing supply may not translate fully into greater housing mobility unless consumers also feel equipped to move home. Alongside new development, previous Barclays research found that 85 per cent of owner-occupied homes in England and Wales contain at least one spare bedroom3, highlighting the potential role of downsizing in unlocking capacity within the existing housing stock. However, high transaction costs and a shortage of suitable homes pose a barrier for many.

Confidence in navigating the process of buying a home also holds many movers back. Six in ten adults (60 per cent) feel confident in their understanding of and ability to navigate the home buying process, but more than a quarter do not (28 per cent). Among those lacking confidence, the biggest areas of uncertainty are the conveyancing and legal process (37 per cent) and understanding taxes and fees (37 per cent), followed by managing paperwork and documentation (32 per cent).

For younger consumers, the challenges are more focused on affordability and finance. Gen Z adults cite saving for a deposit (39 per cent) and understanding how much they can afford to borrow (36 per cent) as areas where they feel least confident.

Jatin Patel, Head of Mortgages, Savings and Insurance at Barclays, said:

“New homes are critical to easing tension in the housing supply, but attitudes towards development are nuanced. 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."

Adrian MacDiarmid, Head of Mortgage Lender Relations at Barratt Redrow, said:

"It’s really encouraging to see strong support for building more homes, particularly among younger people who face the greatest barriers to home ownership. With Gen Z the most supportive of local housebuilding, the findings highlight the importance of increasing housing supply for future generations.

"The research also confirms that people want development to be accompanied by investment in infrastructure and public services. That's why housebuilders have such an important role to play, delivering not only the homes communities need, including affordable housing, but also funding and investing in local facilities that help communities thrive. Housebuilding is one of the UK's most important economic drivers, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and generating investment in communities. With the right partnerships and local leadership, we can deliver growth that creates lasting social and economic value."