Low-cost “naked homes” are the latest idea to be offered up as a remedy to the UK’s housing affordability crisis and have received backing from London mayor Sadiq Khan.
The concept, developed by not-for-profit housebuilder Naked House with architect OMMX, involves the building of basic houses that are not much more than a shell.
Each of the homes will be presented bare, with no internal walls, floors or finishes, but will be future-proofed by allowing owners to put their own stamp on the design, and extend later.
The mayor has awarded a £500,000 grant to the business and said: “Community-led housing offers the chance to build new homes that Londoners want to live in.”
Designed to appeal to first-time buyers who have been priced out of the capital’s housing market, the homes will sell for between £150,000 to £350,000 – a fraction of London’s average house price of £580,000. Buyers must be earning less than £90,000 and local residents will be given priority.
The no-frills concept is to be be tested with 22 apartments on three sites in Enfield, north London, where the council will allow builders to take over derelict garages and car parks.
Neil Double, co-director at Naked House, says: “The idea is already used abroad in countries like Germany. We have been developing it for a while and were approached by Enfield council. Now we’re looking for the right contractor to take the idea forward. We’re in discussions with various companies.”
It is not only the basic construction that ensures low prices. The cost of land, for example, has been removed in favour of a leasehold arrangement. Occupants will pay a monthly ground rent to the local authority, which owns the land.
To ensure that the units remain affordable in perpetuity, a resale covenant in the lease locks in the original discount for future purchasers.
Double acknowledges that the houses may not suit everyone, but thinks they will particularly appeal to younger creative types.
He says that others have already shown interest. “Currently we’re in discussion with five other councils around London, some have approached us and others we have approached. I think the concept could also be used elsewhere in the UK.”
Building will start in Enfield in early 2019, with the homes ready by early 2020.
