The LPDF argues there's a generational crisis as more young people can't afford to buy.
The Land Promoters and Developers Federation (LPDF) will discuss solutions to the housing crisis at its first annual conference.
LPDF chairman Paul Brocklehurst will tell delegates at the conference at 30 Euston Square, London, that the 500% increase in average house prices over the past 30 years has left many feeling excluded from the possibility of owning their own home.
He said:“Let us be in no doubt that there is a crisis. The average house price has increased by 500% in 30 years, the price of that average home is now in excess of eight times average salaries effectively doubling over that period and is considerably more in certain areas.
“The average age of first-time buyers has increased from 27 years to close to 35 years and, as a consequence, generations, particularly in the South East of England, now feel they are excluded from owning their own home.
“This is yet another area of our society in which a generational injustice is manifesting itself.”
“The crisis inhibits our economy, high housing costs restrict the ability of consumers to spend whilst a lack of supply inhibits labour market mobility. Conversely, increased new build activity has a significantly positive multiplier effect on the economy.”
Kevin Hollinrake MP, member of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee and David Smith, economics editor of The Sunday Times, are among the guest speakers at the event – entitled Land Promoters and the Delivery of New Homes.
Brocklehurst said that resolving the housing crisis must be at the top of the political agenda of government and that that land promoters have been misunderstood.
He added: “Nationally there needs to be a cultural change as to how we view new housing and politicians at all levels of government, central and local, need to prioritise the needs and views of those that don’t have a home above those that do.”
“At our first ever annual conference, we will be joined by the UK’s leading specialist land promoters, sector experts, senior councillors and policymakers to put the spotlight on the housing crisis and discuss how we can tackle this crucial issue.
“Unfortunately,the role land promoters play in the delivery of housing, infrastructure and entire new communities is often misunderstood.
“This, and the complicated and lengthy nature of the planning system, is commonly blamed for the supply of housing not meeting the demand for new homes.
“We are becoming a powerful voice in the debate around the housing shortage and ways in which we can improve the supply of land for development.
“We want to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions around the role of land promoters and developers by highlighting the expertise and track record of our members.”
The event is being held on Wednesday 11 September.
