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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think housing in this country is fundamentally broken?

432 replies

BrokenHousingLogic · 15/12/2025 15:25

Whether you rent privately, rent socially or own, it feels like the system isn’t really working for anyone.

• Rents are high and insecure
• Buying is out of reach for many
• Social housing is under strain
• Landlords and tenants feel pitted against each other
• Local authorities seem overwhelmed

It often feels like people are arguing with each other instead of addressing the fact that the whole structure is failing.

AIBU to think this goes beyond individual choices and points to a system-wide problem?

OP posts:
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SoLongLuminosity · 15/12/2025 15:38

Octavia64 · 15/12/2025 15:30

Yes.

we need to build more.

Its far from the silver bullet though IMO.

We have loads of vacant homes, second homes, empty central offices which, if turned into homes would be suitable first properties for the young people most needing a leg up and who would be spending in town centres and walking to work/wfh.

We also have a massive skills shortage which can't be solved by bringing in people abroad as they will also need housing to live in while building.

bugalugs45 · 15/12/2025 15:36

Octavia64 · 15/12/2025 15:30

Yes.

we need to build more.

Please don’t build any near me , the traffic from the dozen or so new housing estates is utter chaos on the daily , not to mention the hospitals that can’t cope!
Where’s underpopulated in the country ? Build some there …

Ablondiebutagoody · 15/12/2025 15:35

Not enough housing.

UK population was 56 million in 1970, 69 million now, and projected 72 million by 2032.

Build baby, build.

SoLongLuminosity · 15/12/2025 15:34

Well there isn't really a solution.

And that's because however you slice it, a lot of people will lose money with any significant decision.

People who want to buy often can't afford to for a number of reasons (location costs and unsuitable housing i.e. First time buyers can't buy 4 bed new builds, which is what developers build to make profit).

People who do own don't want prices to go down due to negative equity.

Landlords are leaving the market now as a result of Renters Rights and property hasn't become more affordable.

We have an aging population and a lack of suitable homes for them because noone builds bungalows, which means more need expensive care sooner and don't move because the move doesn't solve the problem of not being able to live in a dual level building.

OhDear111 · 15/12/2025 15:32

There’s insufficient houses. Government isn’t fixing this but people are buying homes and renting. It’s not all doom and gloom. Landlords won’t be able to evict so easily so expect fewer homes to rent. I agree there are issues but we need more homes.

Octavia64 · 15/12/2025 15:30

Yes.

we need to build more.

LifeBeginsToday · 15/12/2025 15:29

Well yes, but this isn't news.