Updated: Apr 26 We carry out lots of surveys in Reading. It is the most populous town in Berkshire and is the nearest big settlement to our base in South Oxfordshire. It is always interesting to hear news of potential housing developments. The need for more houses in the whole of England, let alone Reading, is clear to anyone that has paid attention to the average house price, that continues to rise apace. The reason for this is that there are not enough houses, plain and simple. So what is being done to build more houses in Reading? So we need more houses, but there also must be rules, or else all hell would break loose. Local areas such as Reading will have a 'Local Plan'. The aim of this document is to outline what the need for housing is in an area, and go about meeting it in a fair and sustainable way. There will be affordable housing, affordable rent, social housing, buying schemes, over 55's housing, as well as traditional straight to market properties. There will be large developments, blocks of flats and unique 'one off' builds, all combining to increase the number of houses in Reading. Now these things need periodic updating. And after a recent review the local plan for Reading advised that more buildings were needed. The number of new homes required was at 699 but has been upgraded to 833. This is great news for a surveyor in Reading. More houses, more transactions and therefore more surveys! Of course, we won't be the first surveyor in Reading to see this opportunity. But it could be so much better. The local plan also stipulates that there should be a cap on the amount of new residential buildings in Reading, this stands at 965 per year. Sounds like a lot. But it's not. Let me explain. Reading is a great place to live. Direct and fast train lines into London, world class University , business parks, and world leading in computer science. No wonder Reading, already the largest town in England, has desires on becoming our next City. Population continues to grow, business continues to expand and the world renowned Shinfield Studios nears completion. Reading is well and truly on the map, so ...... we need more houses! It is difficult to make this point without it seeming like we are after more gigs. The truth is, more buildings in Reading means more surveys in Reading. Anyone looking for a Reading surveyors would not be disappointed in any of our services - take a look at our reviews. But really and honestly, we need to remove some of the red tape around building houses in England. Every area has a local plan, every area has a group of hard nosed oppressors who 'don't want to look out my window at a building site'. Problem is, this sentiment is swiftly followed by 'my grandchildren can't afford to live in the area'. You can't have your cake and eat it. I understand that there need to be some rules. But the housing crisis is out of hand. The term 'generation rent' is banded about but it just trivialises the problem. The solution is more houses, and it must be made easier. The potential problems are clear. Lack of supply, lack of skilled labour and then lower build standards. We have to get past this tough. Home ownership should not be a thing of the past. I have some ideas, which I will share with you. Watch this space. But until then. See what sets us apart for our Homebuyer Reports and Building Surveys in Reading. Give us a chance to put our drone up and check a chimney or two. Still need convincing? Check out our reviews. Our dedication to customer service helps set us apart among Surveyors in Reading. Want a no obligation quote ? Please contact us and we will get straight back to you.