…and ‘Change of use’ upturn adds even more homes
November 2016

New homes created in England by change of use, such as from offices and shops, rose by nearly half in 2015/6 over the previous year, with 30,600 new residential units, a substantial contributor to the 189, 650 new dwellings added to the total housing stock.

Figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), reveal that traditional new-build properties rose by 8,860 units to 163,940. But the most marked increase was ‘change of use’, with 30,600 new units compared with 20,650 the year before. Of these, 12,824 were offices converted into flats.

One window company where the trend has been noticeable is Newview Windows & Conservatories of West Sussex. Director Michele Wietscher (pictured) says this trend has been an opportunity for the business, but it is not without its downsides.

“There are lots of conversion projects happening in and around the London area, where old office blocks are being transformed into studios and apartments. We are tendering for more projects like this as we are in an ideal position to supply and install high-volumes of products.

“There are downsides to the trend though. Critics say many units fail to meet minimum space standards. We need affordable living but not at the expense of quality of living. Another con is the reduction in office stock, which is driving up prices for businesses looking to relocate to serviced office space.”

She concluded: “Although the government pledge of a million homes by 2020 seems unlikely now, Britain is building again. It’s encouraging to see increased activity in the construction sector and it all contributes to a stronger economy going forwards.”