The current government target is to build 300,000 new homes annually, yet in recent years, this target has consistently been missed. The Labour Party promised to build 1.5 million homes within five years in the general election, but also admitted that the initial delivery rate would be below 300,000 annually. Experts point out the need for higher housing construction targets in reality, rather than just 'convenient integers.'

In addition to government targets, experts have proposed higher housing demand figures. According to a 2018 report by Heriot-Watt University, the growth rate of the UK's housing stock is much slower, and housing supply growth is insufficient to meet demand. Furthermore, the UK's housing supply lags far behind that of other European neighbors. With the recent increase in immigration to the UK, the number of homes needed to meet demand has risen significantly. According to data from the UK's Office for National Statistics, the annual net migration to the UK has reached a historic high, putting immense pressure on housing demand.

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Beyond population growth, research reports from urban think tanks indicate that unmet housing demand criteria also include economic affordability, overcrowding, and homelessness issues. They estimate that an additional 340,000 homes will be needed annually by 2031. Therefore, current housing construction targets may still be too low.

For homebuyers, 2024 may present a favorable opportunity to enter the market, particularly considering factors such as low property market prices and declining interest rates. However, supply issues and population growth remain key considerations for the future development of the property market. For the government and relevant institutions, devising more comprehensive and effective housing policies will become increasingly crucial.