Build, Build, Build vs Repurpose, Renew, Retrofit: The UK housing solution we're overlooking

The UK has a housing problem. And when faced with complex problems, it’s tempting to reach for simple solutions. For this government, that solution is: Build, build, build –?promising an eye-wateringly unrealistic target of 1.5 million new homes over five years.

But here’s the catch: to achieve this, they’re doubling down on another equally simplistic approach –?entrusting the challenge to six volume housebuilders. The problem? These builders have a clear incentive to limit construction to the “market absorption rate.” In other words, they won’t dent their profits by building enough homes to reduce selling prices.

The result? Affordable homes are often promised in the planning stages – but pared down as development proceeds. After all, unaffordable homes are more profitable. And despite this glaring issue, the government has proposed no measures sufficient to change these incentives.

Then there’s George Monbiot, who rightly points out that the government’s housing policy creates an impression of action by tearing up the countryside while, thanks to a perennial fear of upsetting powerful economic interests, failing to address the underlying causes of the problem. The likely result? Trashed landscapes, unmet housing needs, and soaring rents –?all while over 300,000 people remain stuck in temporary accommodation, and countless others lack a secure roof over their heads.

He’s also has a point in that neither our outdated property tax system nor mortgage market liberalisation will help ease the problem. But while I understand his frustration, I can’t help but feel it’s a distraction from a far more practical solution sitting right in front of us: empty homes.

Did you know there are over 1 million empty homes in England alone? Over 265,000 of them have been sitting unused for the long term. Add in holiday lets and second homes, and you’ve got a staggering amount of housing stock that’s just… sitting there.

This isn’t just a missed opportunity – it’s a waste. Instead of pouring resources into new builds, why not focus on what’s already there? Repurpose, renew, retrofit. Bringing these homes back into use is quicker, more achievable, and far more sustainable. It’s a win-win for housing and the environment.

If you’re interested in learning more about how retrifitting can turn empty properties into cosy havens, there are many retrofit organisations across the UK ready to help. From the National Retrofit Hub, People Powered Retrofit, Energiesprong UK, Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise (RISE), and RetrofitWorks, to local specialists like Cosy Homes Oxfordshire, a wealth of expertise is available to bring empty homes back to life.

While all we can do for the moment is nudge the government towards broader support, now is the time to explore how retrofitting can benefit your home and community. In the midst of a housing crisis, we can’t afford to overlook the opportunities right in front of us. Let’s focus on what’s realistic, achievable, and already within our reach.

#HousingCrisis #EmptyHomes #Sustainability #RetrofitNotRebuild #RealisticSolutions #retrofit #retrofitting

Sources:

Action on Empty Homes: https://www.actiononemptyhomes.org/

George Monbiot in The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/26/labour-building-housing-market-private-developers