"Get cracking and build"

“Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of

18-44 year olds living in Leeds Prepared by

May 2024

“Get cracking get cracking and and build” build Leeds resident

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

Part 1

Key findings

Over three quarters of Leeds residents under the age of 44 support building more homes in the City.

They are keen to stay in this ‘vibrant and friendly’ city but are worried about being priced out of the area because of a lack of affordable homes to rent or buy.

Part 2

The best thing about living in Leeds

Leeds residents cherish their city for its diverse amenities, vibrant city centre, and strong community ties.

Easy access to shops, parks, and entertainment enhances daily life, while proximity to family and friends adds to the city's appeal.

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

A blend of urban excitement and rural tranquillity makes Leeds a beloved home for many.

Why do people love living in Leeds?

Being close to family and friends.

get “I love cracking being close to my family and friends” and build Abbie, 34 Private Renter Hunslet, Leeds

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

Why do people love living in Leeds?

Easy access to shops, parks, schools and medical centres.

“I love living in Leeds; it feels like everything is right on my doorstep —shops, parks, and all kinds of amenities. It's so convenient and just brilliant to have everything so close.”

get cracking and build

Jennifer, 35 Homeowner Cross Gates, Leeds

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

Why do people love living in Leeds?

Vibrant and diverse culture.

“I adore Leeds for its vibrant energy and rich multicultural vibe. Living here, I'm always surrounded by diverse cultures and the lively spirit of the city.”

get cracking and build

Anjela, 37 Homeowner Allswoodley, Leeds

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

Why do people love living in Leeds?

Community and lifestyle.

“I enjoy living in Leeds because of its strong community and lifestyle. People are friendly here, which really makes a difference in day-to-day life.”

get cracking and build

Robbie, 26 Homeowner Seacroft, Leeds

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

Why do people love living in Leeds?

Civic pride.

get cracking and build

“I've always felt a strong sense of belonging in Leeds; it's a great city that really fosters community spirit.”

Kelsey, 30 Private Renter Garforth, Leeds

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

Part 3

Housing attitudes

77%

think we need to

build more homes

Source: “Get cracking and build“ The housing attitudes of 18-44 year olds living in Leeds, Shared Voice.

Do you think we need to build more homes in Leeds?

23% 77%

Yes No

with 92% of social housing tenants saying we need to build more homes

Do you think we need to build more homes in Leeds?

92%

77% 77% 66%

All respondents

Home owners

Private renters

71%

Social housing Living with parents tenants or friends

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

Why do people favour building more homes in Leeds?

Concerns about the housing crisis Addressing affordability More homes for local people Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

“As someone living and working in Leeds, I strongly feel we must build more homes to keep our city vibrant and accessible for everyone.”

get cracking and build

Gabriel, 33 Private Renter Harehills, Leeds

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

“I moved from London to Leeds for its family-friendly vibe, but rising costs make it hard to stay. We need more affordable homes.”

get cracking and build

Anna, 32 Social Housing Tenant Roundhay, Leeds

“I'm priced out of Leeds due to high costs. Building homes in derelict areas could ease the crisis. Let's prioritise affordability.”

get cracking and build

Jade, 21 Private Renter Temple Newsham, Leeds

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

“I appreciate Leeds' multicultural vibe, but high costs and housing shortage push me to move. Let's focus on affordable, spacious homes.“

get cracking and build

Hannah, 32 Private Renter Hunslet, Leeds

37%

worry about being priced out of where they live

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

One in three say they are worried about being priced out of the area...

.... but among private renters and those living with parents or friends, this rises to over 70%.

Do you worry about being priced out of where you live and forced to live somewhere else because housing is too expensive or rents too high?

79%

73% 37% 29%

All respondents

Home owners

23% Private renters

Social housing tenants

Living with parents or friends

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

“Living at my parents' house in Leeds, I don't worry about current housing costs, but the thought of entering the market myself is daunting due to skyrocketing prices.”

get cracking and build

Rebecca, 28 Living with parents Hunslet, Leeds

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

“Despite stable rents, the fear of being priced out in Leeds is real, as escalating housing costs and high rents threaten our ability to remain local.”

get cracking and build

Stewart, 31 Social Housing Tenant Harehills, Leeds

74%

say their housing

costs have increased over the last 12 months

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

Over the last year, have your housing costs (such as mortgage repayments, rents and Council Tax) changed?

24% 74%

Increased Roughly stayed the same Decreased

2%

This rises to 81% amongst social housing tenants who say their housing costs have increased in the last year Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

Over the last year, have your housing costs (such as mortgage repayments, rents and Council Tax) changed?

74% 75%

73%

81%

45%

All respondents

Home owners

Private renters

Social housing tenants

Living with parents or friends

“In Leeds, as rental and housing costs soar, it's critical we address the challenge of affordability to prevent our dreams of home ownership from diminishing.”

get cracking and build

Johnson, 44 Social Housing Tenant Hunslet, Leeds

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

“As a single mum in Leeds, I've seen my council tax increase, yet my income hasn't kept pace, underscoring the urgent need for truly affordable housing.”

get cracking and build

Annabelle, 43 Private Renter Kirkstall, Leeds

Who do you think is responsible for delivering affordable housing in Leeds?

48%

The Government

31%

Local Councillors

12%

Other

Private developers

6%

Your Local MP

2%

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

“Living in North Leeds gives access to both city life and countryside, but housing costs worry me for the future. We need more affordable homes with proper infrastructure.”

get cracking and build

Ian, 44 Homeowner Alwoodley, Leeds

Four in ten said that they would forgo having children for a realistic chance of home ownership in the next five years Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

Two thirds said that they are willing to give up social activities and foreign holidays to get on the housing ladder

What would you be willing to give up for a realistic chance of owning a home over the next five years?

Social activities (dinners/drinks)

68%

32%

Going abroad on holiday

67%

33%

Streaming services

54%

46%

Owning/leasing a vehicle

54%

46%

Saving for retirement

48%

52%

Health and wellness expenses

46%

54%

Having children

40%

60%

Educational or career investments

33%

67%

Yes, would be wiling to give up for a chance of owning a home in the next 5 years

No, would not be wiling to give up for a chance of owning a home in the next 5 years

Source: Get cracking and build” Housing attitudes of 18-44 years olds living in Leeds report, Shared Voice and Just Build Homes, 2024

Part 4

Demographics

Housing tenure Homeowners (with a mortgage)

31%

Social housing tenants

31% 20%

Private renters Homeowners (without a mortgage) Living with parents

10% 7%

Other

1%

Living with friends

1%

Age 6%

28%

18-24 years 25-34 years 35-44 years

66%

Gender 33% 67%

Male Female

Part 5

About us

About us Shared Voice is a research and digital led communications agency which helps businesses engage and activate supportive audiences to achieve their goals.

We work with public bodies, local authorities, social housing providers and developers.

More information about Shared Voice is available here.

Methodology We held in-depth conversations with 354 Leeds residents aged between 18-44 years old, between 18-29 March 2024.

hello@sharedvoice.co.uk www.sharedvoice.co.uk