Young people and housing:A review of the present policy and practice landscape

Young people’s housing consumption is distinctive, with extended periods living in the parental home, an increasing reliance on the private rented sector and constrained access to owner occupation and social housing. This article discusses some of the recent policy and practice responses to this issue, including: shared and low-cost home ownership; high-density ‘young professionals’ lets; and lets through access schemes and social lettings agencies. The article finds a confused policy landscape, where interventions may be regarded as short-term, and without adequate pathways to move up and out of the housing provided. These initiatives have meant that associated policy issues, such as limited access to social housing, have been neglected. A high degree of cross-party consensus means it is likely that present patterns of housing consumption amongst young people will continue into the future. If young people’s housing needs are to be met more adequately, there needs to be a more fundamental reexamination of how the tenure system works for young people in the UK. Special Edition - The Next Five Years: Prospects for young people