You are here: Home - News -

New homes getting smaller and darker

by:
  • 22/04/2013
  • 0
New homes getting smaller and darker
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is lobbying the Government to introduce new standards for buildings aimed at making new homes larger and brighter.

Outside of London, there are currently no minimum standards and regulations for homebuilders about the amount of space that should be available in a flat or house.

The current regulation for natural light stipulates that there should be one window per room measuring 45cm2 – the size of a small cushion.

According to RIBA, the average one-bedroom new build home in Britain is the size of a tube carriage – the smallest home size in Western Europe. 

It has carried out research this Spring, which reveals that only one in four people would buy a new home, and  80% of people would be more likely to choose a home that meets minimum space standards.

Lack of natural light (20%) and lack of space (32%) are among the most cited causes of dissatisfaction with current homes, and lack of space is the main reason why people living in homes built less than 10 years ago want to make changes or are considering moving home.

RIBA’s HomeWise campaign has three goals:

1. Make Government set new space standards for all new homes

2. Make Government set new minimum requirements for natural light in all new homes

3. Make Government introduce product labelling for all homes so that everyone can make more informed decisions when choosing a home.

In May, there will be a public consultation on the subject, and RIBA is urging people to lobby their MPs and deman better space and light standards.

Click here to support the campaign.

 

There are 0 Comment(s)

You may also be interested in