Safety priority over home ownership

A safe neighbourhood and the ability to pay for housing costs are more important than the dream of home ownership, according to a new report.

12:10 30 August 2005

A safe neighbourhood and the ability to pay for housing costs are more important than the dream of home ownership, according to a new report.

Housing charity Shelter says that its survey of low-income groups dispels the myth that Britain as a nation is obsessed with simply getting on the property ladder.

A YouGov survey carried out for the report found that 72 per cent of respondents believed it was most important to feel safe in a neighbourhood. Being able to afford to live in a particular home was second and actually owning the home was third on the list of priorities.

The survey showed similar results when the respondents were asked about their aspirations for their children. Affordability came top of the list for 63 per cent of people, followed by a safe neighbourhood for 59 per cent and ownership was third on just 34 per cent.

Shelter also spoke to focus groups throughout the country, particularly those on low incomes, about what they really want in a home. The groups revealed that many people prioritise security, space and affordability above getting on the property ladder for themselves and their children.

When asked what they wanted for their children, affordability came top of the list for 63 per cent of people, followed by a safe neighbourhood on 59 per cent and ownership third on just 34 per cent.

Ben Jackson, Shelter's director of campaigns, said: "Our research looked at the bigger picture and found that people's first priority for themselves and their children is not home ownership - but having a safe, decent home they can afford.

"Sadly for one million children in Britain today whose health, education and future chances are being wrecked by homelessness and bad housing, this is just a distant dream."