Could radically smaller homes help to ease the housing crisis in London?
A new study thinks ‘less is more’ could be the ethos that will appeal to young professionals and add much needed stock to the capital city’s market.
The “Size doesn’t matter” report has been written by Vera Kichanova for the neoliberal think-tank the Adam Smith Institute, and has called for a relaxation in rules that do not allow single-person homes to measure under 37 square metres in the capital.
How micro is micro?
The British Property Federation (BPF) defines ‘micro-homes’ as being between 20 and 40 sq m, are purpose-built, and that are self-contained or share some amenities. The Adam Smith report says micro-homes represent a more affordable opportunity for young professionals in ‘Generation Rent’, for whom property prices in London are way beyond what they can afford.
It points to the example set by The Collective Old Oak development in Willesden Junction, which contains 546 micro-homes and communal spaces such as games rooms, gardens and co-working. It’s a lifestyle that builds upon the one enjoyed by many while at university.
Cities such as Manchester see significant numbers of graduates stay on after the end of their studies, and micro-homes offer a tempting extension to the student experience.
Micro-home developments are likely to be located in hip, desirable districts offering close proximity to bars, restaurants, clubs, shops and gyms. Those with good communal facilities could also help combat the loneliness felt by many living on their own in urban areas, according to the Institute’s report.
The future’s bright, the future’s – modular?
Modular construction lends itself nicely to the kind of micro-homes the Institute is calling for. They can be built on a production line indoors, cutting out the problem of the British weather, leave a smaller carbon footprint and then offer energy-efficient living when occupied.
“Small but perfectly formed micro-homes would expand choice for young Londoners” says the Institute’s head of research Matthew Lesh.
“There are many who would rather live close to the city centre, in a building full of amenities such as game rooms and co-working spaces, rather than spending hours commuting every day.”
However, London’s deputy mayor for housing James Murray does not see “cramming people in” as the solution. “We need to build more council, social-rented, and other genuinely affordable homes that are well-designed places to live” he told the BBC. “The mayor supports homes being built at higher densities, but this must not mean cutting back on space for individual homes.
“We need to build more council, social-rented, and other genuinely affordable homes that are well-designed places to live.”
