On the house – what’s the alternative?

Half-day conference

Thursday 12 December 2019
09:00 - 12:30

Diversifying the homebuilding industry is one of the key objectives of the London Housing Strategy; through increased Build to Rent development, more support for small and medium-sized builders and more supply from councils and housing associations, London is seeing an increase in alternative models of housing.

Following examples from Denmark and the Netherlands the UK cohousing movement is starting to build momentum, with examples in London being set by Copper Lane, an intergenerational community in LB Hackney, and New Ground Older Womens Cohousing Community in LB Barnet, with new groups forming all the time. A different model but with the same aim of building community and becoming an increasingly competitive market, co-living has also become a popular alternative for those seeking a new way to live and work in London. Generally seen as an option for younger generations looking for more sociable ways to rent, is this a viable option for people of all ages?

The impact of London’s housing crisis is felt by many, but none more so than those without a home at all. With over 160,000 people in London without permanent accommodation and over 8,850 rough sleepers in 2018/19, how can London better tackle homelessness? The Mayor’s policies to increase the number of affordable homes and improve the private rented sector are essential in combating the long-term causes of homelessness, but is the industry doing enough? In an attempt to offer high-quality, local temporary accommodation for homeless families, London boroughs have joined forces with the Mayor to manufacture 200 ‘modular’ homes. Beyond temporary accommodation and short-term shelter accommodation, what’s the next step on the housing ladder and how does it form a part of the housing types London is providing?

From co-living, to temporary accommodation and third age housing this conference explores housing solutions for all Londoners.