Report launches the UK’s first metric to measure the social impact of a home 

A new study suggests the UK Government’s target to deliver 1.5 million homes by 2029 could create £103 billion in combined social value – a sum which industry leaders say underpins the moral and fiscal case for tackling the housing crisis and accelerating housing delivery. 

Unveiled at a reception in Parliament this week, the Impact of a Home report measures and articulates the social impact good quality housing can deliver for society at large. 

Whether in social mobility during childhood, or providing access to education and green spaces, the place-based data assesses the value a home creates across a range of outcomes and reflects the unique characteristics and circumstances of those impacted.  

For example, the findings suggest a secure home for every person moved out of homelessness in London could deliver a £25,693 uplift in social impact, at a time when the capital is spending an estimated £4m per day on temporary accommodation. 

Statistics also show £9,543 in social impact could be delivered for an older couple relocating to retirement accommodation in Kent, £2,107 could be created for a family moving out of overcrowded housing in Manchester and £1,520 of wellbeing impact for a child given access to a private garden in London. 

The report was developed through a collaboration between built environment consultancy Meeting Place and economists from Loop (part of the Pagabo Group) and has received backing from leading UK plc housebuilder Vistry Group and housing association SNG (Sovereign Network Group). 

The collaboration introduces what is believed to be the UK’s-first framework to assess a home’s impact on wellbeing, economic resilience and public services. The report’s authors hope it will provide a new evidence base for planners, policymakers and those across the industry to champion housing development in the face of public scepticism. 

Nikki Davies, Chief Executive at Meeting Place, said: “For many of us, our home makes us feel warmth and security. It’s somewhere where we can recharge, exercise, study or work and spend time with family and friends. Yet until now, it’s been difficult to distil and calculate the impact a good quality home can have on our everyday lives.  

“For the first time, our research puts the spotlight on what it really means to have a home of your own and provides a timely reminder of why we need to redouble efforts to alleviate the country’s chronic and ever-increasing housing crisis. Through government, industry and communities working together, we have the power to generate tens of billions of pounds worth of impact, transforming lives for millions of people up and down the country.” 

Stephen Teagle, Chief Executive, Partnerships and Regeneration at Vistry Group said: “This report powerfully reinforces what many of us know instinctively; that a safe, secure home transforms lives. If we work together to use these insights to their fullest, we can create the places and build the future that so many people across the country urgently need. 

“The government’s ambitious housing targets have the potential to deliver a major boost for the country; not just for future homeowners or in macro-economic terms, but, as the Impact of a Home report shows, through tangible social impact for society as a whole.” 

Joe Marshall SNG’s Regional Managing Director – South, commented: “This report provides the evidence that underpins our purpose that a good home is the foundation for a better life, transforming lives and opportunities. Through our pioneering Homes and Place standard, we’re already committed to building and maintaining good quality homes offering people the best chance of a happy, healthy home in a thriving community.” 

To download the report, please click here.