As England grapples with a housing crisis of unprecedented proportions, the need for more inclusive and accessible housing solutions has never been more pressing. The Census 2021 revealed that while 62.5% of households owned the accommodation they lived in, the journey to homeownership has become increasingly challenging, especially for single individuals.
In 2006, singletons accounted for 53% of all first-time buyers (FTB) loans. However, in recent years, this figure has declined to just 46%, highlighting the immense pressure single FTBs face in accessing the housing ladder. With housing affordability at its lowest in around 150 years, the dream of homeownership remains elusive for many. Moreover, the rates of home ownership among 25-34 year olds have plummeted from around 59% in 2003 to a mere 41% today.
Amidst these sobering statistics, the plight of homeless individuals paints an even bleaker picture. Research conducted in 2023 revealed that at least 309,000 people in England spend Christmas without a home, including almost 140,000 children. The number of homeless individuals has surged rapidly, with over 3,000 people sleeping rough on any given night—a 26% increase from the previous year. Additionally, 279,400 individuals are living in temporary accommodation, and almost half of families in temporary housing have been there for more than two years.
In light of these challenges, the efforts of organisations like The Hill Group shine as beacons of hope. The Hill Group, an award-winning housebuilder, has taken significant steps to address homelessness by handing over six new modular homes to Torridge District Council in Devon. These purpose-built homes, including the DuoHaus and SoloHaus models, are intended to provide follow-on temporary accommodation for individuals and couples experiencing homelessness.
The modular homes, launched through Hill’s philanthropic initiative, Foundation 200, exemplify a commitment to inclusive housing solutions. Manufactured off-site and arriving fully furnished, these homes are not only easy to install and secure but also highly energy-efficient, exceeding building regulations for energy efficiency and sound insulation. Designed to last for at least 60 years, the homes offer a comfortable and sustainable living environment for residents.
Andy Hill OBE, Group Chief Executive at The Hill Group, emphasised the significance of these modular homes in making a tangible difference in residents’ lives. By providing secure, modern, and comfortable accommodation, The Hill Group aims to enable individuals and couples affected by homelessness to regain stability and dignity.
Andy Hill said : “We are pleased to hand over three SoloHaus homes for single people, and for the first time, three DuoHaus for couples who are affected by a lack of housing supply, to Torridge District Council, bolstering its efforts to tackle homelessness. This is the first time we have delivered modular homes in Devon, and we are confident they will make a tangible difference to residents’ lives by providing secure, modern, and comfortable accommodation to enable them to get back on their feet and regain the dignity they deserve.”
The installation of these modular homes represents a collaborative effort between The Hill Group and Torridge District Council. Hamish Cameron, Project Manager at Torridge District Council, expressed his delight at acquiring these homes, stating: “We are delighted to have acquired these six homes which are already helping alleviate the housing challenges within the district and we are primarily using them to home people that are experiencing homelessness and this remains an important aspect of our strategy to support these needs in the local community. Notably, their high-quality design and energy efficiency, will ensure they offer a comfortable and affordable place to live.” As the housing crisis deepens, it is imperative that we prioritise inclusive and accessible housing solutions to support single individuals and those experiencing homelessness. The Hill Group’s initiative serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing societal challenges. By continuing to champion initiatives like Foundation 200, we can work towards a future where safe and affordable housing is accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances.
