The 52-page report titled 'Better Understanding of the Housing Market' urges the sector to ‘rejuvenate’ its understanding of the benefits of new, large scale places and calls for a change in national policy to address the issues.

It suggests a review into the use of government programmes and how they strategically link together to create new, sustainable, large-scale places, and calls for central government to prioritise delivery at scale.

It also outlines the need to change the planning system, to support and promote new methods of construction and to make better use of land value.

Other recommendations include the need to boost new supply of affordable housing and to improve the availability of saving methods for first-time buyers, claiming that HM Treasury should lead a campaign to promote the Lifetime ISA so it is used by more people, enabling them to save for a mortgage deposit.

In addition, the report cites the issues arising from a significant increase in housing costs since the turn of the millennium and the UK’s failure to build enough homes to keep up with demand for decades.

It says that this, coupled with escalating house prices has heavily impacted on those who did not buy a home before the turn of the millennium.

•   An interview with PBL: Due diligence for developments is becoming 'more involved'
•   New report calls for more government support to boost modular construction

David Cowans, group chief executive at Places for People (pictured above), said: “We have created this report to contribute our research and insights on the housing crisis debate in the UK. 

“We recognise that it is a conversation that must take priority at all levels of the industry, from top level government to those who support families and individuals with their housing needs on a day to day basis. 

“Despite progress in recent years, national and local politicians — and arguably many sector leaders and commentators — do not fully recognise the need to understand the housing market as a system, which meets demand for housing of different types in different geographies and at different price points. 

“As an industry, we must stop trying to tackle different parts of the housing market in isolation; instead we must work better together to ensure that this long-term challenge is met head on, with targeted delivery which will require commitment and investment across the board.”

“We absolutely can tackle the crisis if we get to grips with these root issues. 

“I’ve long advocated collaboration and I believe that in joining forces, we’ll accelerate our understanding of the challenges.”

Gemma Burgess, director of the Cambridge Centre for Housing and Planning Research at The University of Cambridge, added: “It is imperative that we continue to thoroughly explore the market factors affecting millions of people across the country who are prevented from owning a suitable, affordable home. 

“Reports like those we have released this year help provoke conversations, and encourage industry and government leaders alike to engage in productive dialogue.

“We hope that these findings will form the basis of real action, helping developers deliver more, much-needed homes across the country.”

This follows a previous report launched by Places for People and the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Housing and Planning Research earlier this year, which called on the government and housebuilders to come together to create more UK homes using modular construction.