The shortage of affordable housing is creating a new future for many who were planning on living within their chosen city limits, according to the most recent data. Future generations of people will not have the choice of being urban dwellers. They will likely be forced to find residences outside the city limits of choice. The results of a recent survey indicate more than 50% believe the housing crisis will alter the future they imagined and force them to look outside the city for suitable housing.

Plans of future development will likely be part of the results of the upcoming general election, which occurs within a few months. The winning party will have to provide logical, viable options for the possibility of planning and executing the development of sustainable housing not only within cities, but outside city limits as well.

Just slightly more than 20% of those surveyed believe, with confidence, that their cities could be considered as likely areas for future generations to set their roots.

Matt Pullen, AkzoNobel’s UK and Ireland managing director, commented on the latest survey results and future city populations, saying: “Over half the world’s population now live in cities and that figure is expected to rise to two-thirds by 2050. Companies like ours are beginning to recognise the growing concerns that many urban areas are not as well equipped as they should be to face the issues associated with rapid growth.

“The real challenge is how to grow our cities thoughtfully and creatively so they remain vibrant, human and engaging places for people to live. It’s essential that as well as building more affordable housing, we improve and regenerate our urban environments so citizens feel their cities belong to them and are places that can meet the needs of the next generation.”