A stark new analysis from the Conservative Party claims that immigration placed a demand equivalent to more than one in every three new homes built during the Labour government's first year in office. The figures highlight the intense pressure on the UK's housing stock from record levels of net migration.
The Numbers Behind the Housing Squeeze
According to the study, net migration stood at 204,000 people in the year to June. During a similar period, government data shows only 237,630 new homes were completed across the country. Using the average UK household size of 2.36 people, the Conservatives calculated that newly arrived immigrants would require approximately 86,441 of these newly built properties.
This figure represents just over 36 per cent of all new homes constructed in that timeframe. The Tories stated this reveals 'the full scale of Labour's housing crisis', accusing the Government of having 'failed to build anywhere near enough homes to match the levels of immigration they have allowed in their first year'.
A Deepening Crisis and Political Clash
The Opposition's projections suggest the situation is set to worsen. Their calculations, based on Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts, indicate that by 2030, net migration will have added more than 1.76 million people to the UK population. To accommodate these new arrivals, an estimated 749,250 additional homes will be needed.
At current housebuilding rates, this would consume the equivalent of 52 per cent of all new homes built. Even with increased construction forecasts, the Conservatives claim the figure will still be around 50 per cent. They also warn that increased demand from migration could push the average UK house price up by more than £14,000 by 2030, from £272,000 to an estimated £286,000.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp launched a fierce attack, stating: 'Labour have opened the door to record immigration without any plan to deal with the consequences... British families are paying the price in higher rents, longer waiting lists and fewer homes.' He outlined the Conservative plan to leave the European Convention on Human Rights and remove illegal immigrants swiftly.
Echoing this, Shadow Housing Secretary Sir James Cleverly said: 'Labour's first year has shown they cannot build the homes Britain needs, let alone keep pace with the pressures their own immigration policy has created.' He promoted Tory policies to curb demand and scrap Stamp Duty.
Labour's Response and the Road Ahead
A Labour Party spokesman hit back, stating: 'This is a bit rich. Since the Tories left office Labour has cut legal migration by two thirds and house building has become a top priority for the government.' The party's 2024 manifesto had pledged to build 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament.
The analysis sets the stage for a continued bitter political battle over two of the most critical issues facing the country: controlling immigration and solving the housing shortage. With Tory leader Kemi Badenoch pledging a binding annual immigration cap, the debate over how to balance population growth with infrastructure and housing supply is certain to dominate the political agenda.
