Restrictions on converting empty office blocks into flats have eased. Developers will be able to transform vacated office space without having to apply to the council for their permission.
This radical change to the country's planning system has been passed to address the current need for more houses.
Carl Dyer, Partner and property specialist at leading law firm Thomas Eggar LLP said:
“Our house building industry simply does not have the capacity to bridge the gap with new build housing in the short or even medium term. The consequences are there for all to see: people living with their parents for longer; the rising age of first time buyers; impaired labour mobility; people living in breeze-block sheds being built in gardens in East London; and (mortgage finance permitting) ever rising prices as demand stays always ahead of supply.
Any solution which can help increase supply [of homes] will assist more people than any affordable housing programme ever has. This will not be nearly enough; but it promises to be a sensible step in the right direction.”