Abstract
This paper evaluates the potential of eco self-build community (ESBC) housing to act as a socially and environmentally sustainable housing solution that can address the demand for self-build and community housing whilst supporting the UK’s 2050 net-zero-carbon commitment. This model of housing is being piloted through schemes such as the Water Lilies project, an upcoming ESBC scheme providing self-finish houses and custom-build flats. The research aims to gain a broad understanding of the market for ESBC housing by analysing the data from people who registered interest in a plot or home and comparing this with data from a similar survey targeted at the market for conventional self-build and custom-build housing. The key findings are that: (1) the ESBC housing market is largely open to more than one build method, but with a greater preference for purchasing a completed home and self-finish than self-build, compared to the conventional market for self-build and custom-build that is primarily interested in self-build; (2) the ESBC housing market is looking for a variety of home sizes, though predominantly 2 and 3 bedrooms, that could be provided through houses and flats, compared to the conventional market for self-build and custom-build that is mostly seeking larger houses on single plots; (3) the most important housing aspects to the ESBC housing market are ‘green lifestyle’, ‘style and construction quality’, and ‘community spirit’, which differ to the conventional self-build and custom-build market, where they are ‘construction quality’, ‘internal appearance/layout’ and ‘location’; (4) living in a sustainable home is important to the market for conventional self-build and custom-build housing and on average, they would be willing to pay 27% more for a highly sustainable home than the average UK new build. The main drivers are that people want to reduce their environmental impact and reduce their home running costs. A key overall conclusion of the study is that a distinct market exists for ESBC schemes, where the priorities of prospective homeowners differ to those from the more general self-build market. For ESBC schemes, the provision of eco-housing and a sense of community are key priorities, whereas for the more general self-build market, location and the need to tailor the house design to the owner’s unique aesthetic and lifestyle preferences tend to be the most important factors. This paper discusses the implications of these findings and identifies opportunities for scaling up the delivery of ESBC housing.
Highlights
For Survey 1, there were 1719 responses collected between 14 November 2018 and 17 February 2021
National Custom and Self-Build Association (NaCSBA) shared the survey through its Self Build Portal newsletter and Twitter, gaining 13 responses, and SelfBuild & Design Magazine shared it on Facebook and Twitter, gaining 9 responses
It provided an extensive literature review to demonstrate the key characteristics of speculative housing and forms of self-build, custom-build, and community-led housing delivered by individuals, communities, and developers, with reference to case studies, and illustrates how eco self-build community (ESBC) housing differs in terms of its delivery model and output; An in-depth understanding of the market for ESBC housing was gained by analysing data from potential consumers of ESBC housing and people interested in conventional self-build and custom-build housing on the factors influencing their purchasing decisions
Summary
The UK’s commitment to become net-zero carbon by 2050 means that new energy efficient homes have a role to play in the transition toward carbon neutrality. Issues related to poor housing including health and well-being, affordability and flexibility could be addressed through building resilient homes and communities. The Government committed to delivering 300,000 homes per year by the mid-2020s to provide for an increasing population and address years of under-supply [1]. At the current rate, only 160,000 homes are built on average each year [2,3].
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