To think housing in this country is fundamentally broken?

[BrokenHousingLogic]

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?

I am pleased to hear this. The last time I suggested on another thread that office blocks should be turned into apartments I got accused of wanting to create slums.

Yes, I know, but my point was that some of the objectors to a change of use in our village closed pub genuinely think that if they wait long enough, another Jeremy will come along and spunk money at it! They're deluded. Just like all the people who object to change of use for closed down retail premises thinking that sooner or later people will want to open up shops again. Bonkers that they can't accept the inevitable and undeniable future of all these run down, semi derelict commercial properties.

@taxguru On going issues with closed pubs here! One is a community hub now with a shop and nursery. Two others open 3 days a week. Otherwise they seem to be houses. They don’t get permission for change of use snd are seen as village amenities. Unused and unloved amenities! Both pubs in our village have gone - 30 years ago. We do need planning authorities to get a move on with flexibility. Good flats aren’t slums! Plenty in London are not.

Is it always a case of the LA dragging its feet. I don't see that around here. It seems to me that most applications are heard sincerely, and if they fit with the Local Plan, they are approved with conditions.

Perhaps potential developers don't see a commercial benefit in converting a village pub?

@CraftyGin The owners wanted to sell as houses, not pubs. Could not get pp to revert to a house. Therefore unable to sell. No doubt local plan is out of date but it’s been an issue around here. They are seen as amenities and they aren’t changing to housing. Many in AONB (as it was) too and green belt so no developer interested. There’s a good case for relaxation of these constraints too.

I don’t think it’s feminism, I think it’s individualism.

The ‘base’ quality of life has massively changed without our wealth changing to accommodate it. In the 50s, having enough food to eat and some kind of roof over your head was seen as adequate in terms of basic rights. Now people expect a house which matches their family size, high quality and abundant food, money for treats and savings, all provided without giving a dime in return as a ‘human right’.

The next government is going to be absolutely brutal and I think people who have enjoyed society provided housing are in for a huge shock.

If funded by the taxpayer yes, and this shouldn’t be seen as remotely controversial.

Which i dont think will go down well if this is true
https://inews.co.uk/news/councils-turn-derelict-properties-into-asylum-seeker-housing-4124314?srsltid=AfmBOoq9gZHhRA8OtAeJgnFP8a3T-VafZsVaWOOj5wbvBwanSdIPyDsL

So basically because they havent got living proof that they have had sex without contraception

So who is allowed to live in one bed places then?
Not families.

Anyone who wants to and pays for it themselves?

So what happens to all the one bed council dwellings then?

Couples or couples with 1 child can have them.

Couples on benefits?

Yes

Replace asylum seekers with pensioners and there would already be a thread on this

We don't need more housing.

We need less people. We're bursting at the seams and still more are allowed in.

The country is too small for the population.

That's why people can't get a GP appointment and A n E have horrendous waiting times and ambulance queues outside of A n E. It's usual to wait for 8 hours in A n E and the same for ambulances.

Agree completely.

Get net immigration down to the tens of thousands at most and let the birth rate do what it will.

Thankfully, your little dystopia is not real.

So the disabled have to live in HMOs
wow
your entitlement is showing

Disability can happen in an instant.
Never assume it will not happen to you.

I bet they will say it would be a good idea as a HMO full of disabled people mean they can all look after each other and save the tax payer money.

Where did I mentioned the disabled?

Many disabled people rely on the state to fund their housing
as do many elderly people
and even more elderly disabled people

You were implying that those in receipt of state support do not deserve proper homes

@Playingvideogames So unfilled job vacancies and even less productivity will make you happy? How odd. As in most things, we need a balance. No country economically wants a falling birth rate - too many expensive old folk who produce nothing.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jan/01/hundreds-of-blackpool-families-to-be-evicted-in-mass-dispersion-of-vulnerable-people?fbclid=IwY2xjawPHrbhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeVh3hpd2dA9pXDCR8Z64LJ3bvbURbiQkfccgeoHT71lrOb3d9ML4ZTRIxZC8_aem_J4lO_dk-_FVTQ7PIzfGvWA