New research from Barclays indicates that UK adults are significantly more likely to support local housebuilding than oppose it. The August 2026 Barclays Property Insights report found that 43% of UK adults back new homes being built within three miles of their residence.
This level of support is almost double the 22% who expressed opposition to local development. The findings challenge the common perception that local residents are primarily 'NIMBYs' (Not In My Back Yard).
The study also revealed that objections to development are not mainly driven by concerns over house prices, with only 7% citing a potential reduction in their home's value. Instead, the leading concerns among opponents are the loss of green space (61%), pressure on local services like GPs and schools (57%), and traffic congestion (55%).
Support for local housebuilding is strongest among younger adults, with over half of Gen Z adults backing it. This compares to 48% of Millennials, 42% of Gen X, and 37% of Baby Boomers. Opposition rises with age, from 16% among Gen Z to 26% among Baby Boomers, though support still outweighs opposition even in the oldest group.
Regionally, Northern Ireland showed the strongest support at 53%, followed by Wales at 52%. While every region had more supporters than opponents, the margin was narrower in parts of southern England, with the South East recording 36% support and 35% opposition.