Customer Survey
- New Homes Today 2002 - Introduction
- Key Findings 2002
- Preference for New Housing 2002
- Affordable Housing and Planning Policies
- Executive Summary (2001)
- Glamorous, Aspirational, Well Designed (2001)
- More people want new homes (2001)
- Higher density homes - the impact of PPG3 (2001)
- The power of brand in house building (2001)
- Tomorrow's Homes Today
Executive Summary
These research findings are based on both quantitative and qualitative methods of investigation by Mulholland Research:
- a nationally representative sample of 4327 adults (face to face interviews in home) yielding a sub sample of 480 who intended to buy in the next three years
- also 8 focus groups, 6 with potential purchasers of brand new homes and 2 with owners of homes incorporating innovative features
- plus 218 interviews with owners of timber/steel frame and traditionally built homes.
The new approach to planning
Changed Government planning policy on housing density has influenced perceptions of new homes. With the drive to develop increasingly difficult brownfield sites, there was concern amongst potential buyers about contaminated land. However, the requirements for mixed developments which included shops and community facilities was seen overall as a benefit. New developments being built as communities rather then as isolated groups of houses were applauded.
Improving access for the disabled and infirm
Overall the response from home owners to the design changes brought about by new Government regulations was low key and uncritical. The main features that people had noticed were wider doors, lowered light switches, and ramps to entrances. Less than 10% of the sample said any features had caused them concern.
The main complaint was that lowered light switches were more accessible to small children and this could be a nuisance. There were a handful of comments that the plug sockets and ramps looked unsightly. Most however, felt that it was sensible to make homes more accessible to visitors in wheel chairs.