Press release

Starter homes designed to stand the test of time

Housebuilders and councils should strive for the highest design quality when planning new starter homes, says Housing Minister.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
starter homes initiative

Housebuilders and councils should strive for the highest design quality when planning new starter homes, Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said today (27 March 2015).

The government’s new Design Advisory Panel today published details of exemplar schemes that developers and authorities can draw inspiration from when developing new starter homes in their area.

Mr Lewis said these will help towards ensuring that the new starter homes are popular with buyers and communities and designed to stand the test of time.

Good design matters

Helping aspiring homeowners is a key part of the government’s long-term economic plan.

The new starter homes will be available to young first-time buyers with a 20% discount off the market price.

Today’s information is produced by the government’s dedicated Design Panel, which includes leading architects including Sir Terry Farrell and Quinlan Terry CBE, and highlights examples of schemes that demonstrate high quality designs.

Mr Lewis said he hoped today’s examples would offer inspiration to developers looking to build starter homes, working with local authorities so that these properties can last for generations.

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said:

Helping aspiring homeowners is a key part of our long-term economic plan and, since 2010, over 204,000 households have been able to buy or reserve a home thanks to government-backed schemes.

Starter homes will go even further, while at the same time delivering newly-built homes that communities want and need.

Today our dedicated Design Panel offer a clear vision of the high standards that new homes across the country are meeting, with examples that developers will be able to take inspiration from.

Further information

Starter homes design is published today.

The Design Advisory Panel membership is:

  • Create Streets
  • Design Council
  • Sir Terry Farrell
  • Home Builders Federation
  • Landscape Institute
  • Princes Foundation for Building Community
  • Royal Institute of British Architects
  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
  • Royal Town Planning Institution
  • Roger Scruton
  • Quinlan Terry CBE

Each starter home will cost no more than £250,000 outside London (£450,000 in London) – with resale and letting restrictions for first 5 years.

Starter homes will be exclusively available to first-time buyers under 40 years old, at minimum of 20% below open market value, to help them into home ownership.

Anyone wanting to register for more information on starter homes can do so at www.new-homes.co.uk/starter-homes

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Published 27 March 2015