It says that a year since the government announced its housing strategy, house building is still well behind required levels and the UK needs new homes to buy and rent more than ever. The commission will look at ways of delivering the right homes, in the right tenure, in the right places.
It is calling on RICS members and the property sector to submit written evidence of practical examples of initiatives that would help boost the number of homes across the country.
The commission will also be taking oral evidence from the sector and invites suggestions the property profession, the not for profit housing sector, investors, developers, stakeholders and public interest bodies.
RICS believes that the breadth of knowledge across all aspects of the sector gives the commission a unique opportunity to consider housing delivery from a holistic perspective and truly understand how each part of the sector impacts on the other.
Issues to be addressed include affordable housing, improving stock quality, regulation, land availability, and investment in the rental sector.
The commission will be chaired by Michael Newey, RICS president elect and aims to publish its recommendations in June of this year.
‘Since the recession first began there has been a great deal of discussion as to what should and shouldn’t be done to get housing supply moving again. With the country well and truly in the grips of an economic downturn it is vital that the market is kept as buoyant and active as possible. This begins with boosting housing supply across the country in areas where it’s needed,’ said Newey.
‘We are looking for input and from our members and those in the wider property sector to contribute and offer their thoughts and advice on initiatives and proposals that can help boost housing supply across the UK. We’re also interested in hearing from those in the not for profit housing sector, investors, developers, stakeholders and public interest bodies,’ he added.
The report will be delivered to the UK Housing Minister and the Shadow Housing Minister to help formulate policies to address the country’s housing crisis in the short term and manifesto commitments ahead of the 2015 election.
Oral evidence sessions will take place from Monday 04 March. Sessions are open to both RICS members and non-members.
