Britain's new-build homes are already the smallest in Europe, and experts warn that a government push to relax minimum space standards could lead to a wave of even tinier 'micro-homes'. The housing white paper, published this week, proposes a review of minimum size guidelines to allow for more compact living, sparking fears of 'rabbit hutch' conditions.
Guardian Money has identified a studio flat in Croydon measuring just 14.9 square metres, far below the government's own recommended minimum of 37 square metres. Plans for flats in north London as small as 13.5 square metres were refused by the local council but may reappear in modified form.
The government argues that a 'one size fits all' approach may hinder innovation and choice. However, the Royal Institute of British Architects warns that removing space standards could reverse recent improvements. Research from Cambridge University in 2014 found UK new homes averaged 76 square metres, compared to 137 square metres in Denmark.
The white paper highlights the 'compact living' model of developer Pocket, whose one-bedroom flats average 38 square metres and are priced at least 20% below market rates. Yet even these cost £255,000 on average, with some London flats reaching £332,000 – still below the capital's average first-time buyer price of £421,553.
Critics question the long-term viability of micro-homes, noting that life changes such as having children can quickly make such spaces inadequate. As the government seeks to address the 'broken' housing market, the balance between affordability and liveable space remains contentious.
