Housing Crisis in the UK
Generation Rent is out of time and patience, writes James Hanson.
To solve the housing crisis, building more homes is essential, but this requires changes to Britain's complex planning laws.
James Hanson shares his experience of renting in the UK in 2025, where he and his friend paid over £1000 per month for a damp-infested, poorly furnished flat in south London.
The flat was in disrepair, with mice scuttling around in the floorboards at night.
- At the end of their tenancy, they requested their deposit back in full.
- The letting agent proposed absurd deductions, including a claim that they had left the carpets dirty, despite there being no carpets in the property.
- When this was pointed out, the agent proposed a different deduction, for not getting the flat professionally cleaned on exit.
Unless the government is prepared to rip up Britain’s Byzantine planning laws, little will change.
Author's summary: UK housing crisis persists due to complex planning laws.