As temperatures soar across Europe, a new investigation reveals that many homes in England are dangerously ill-equipped to handle extreme heat, with the poorest and most vulnerable bearing the brunt of the crisis. The Guardian's Hot Property series highlights how one-fifth of English homes already overheat in current summer conditions, a figure set to rise as climate change intensifies.
Analysis by the Resolution Foundation shows stark inequalities: two-thirds of socially rented households face overheating risks, compared to just 17% of owner-occupied homes. Almost half of minority ethnic households are also at high risk, while over half of London homes suffer due to the urban heat island effect. Small flats, cramped spaces, and poorly designed new builds are particularly vulnerable.
Environment reporter Helena Horton explains that unlike countries accustomed to hot climates, UK homes are not built to withstand extreme temperatures. With record-breaking heat of 40°C already recorded in 2022, such conditions are likely to become the norm. For London and the south-east, indoor temperatures of 28°C are predicted to be typical in coming decades.
The health impacts are severe, especially for lower-income families, social renters, and those with children. Sleepless nights and heat-related illnesses are becoming common, yet little is being done to retrofit existing housing or improve building standards for new developments. The devolved nations show no signs of building more heat-resilient homes either.
Experts call for urgent action, including better insulation, shading, and ventilation in new builds, as well as retrofitting existing stock. Without change, the UK faces a future of uncomfortable, unhealthy homes during increasingly frequent heatwaves.
