> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Suffolk Building Society calls for diverse housing solutions in new bill
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/suffolk-building-society-calls-for-diverse-housing-solutions-in-new-bill/
- Published: 2024-07-31T09:01:11.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:38:47.000Z
- Description: Suffolk Building Society has outlined suggestions to address UK property market challenges in response to the recently announced Planning & Infrastructure Bill, emphasising the need for self-builds, bungalows, and stamp duty reform.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Housing & Urban Development, #article, Suffolk Building Society, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**What's happening:** The Planning & Infrastructure Bill aims to boost housing supply, but [Suffolk Building Society](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/suffolk-building-society/) argues for a more nuanced approach to meet diverse housing needs.

**Why it matters:** The UK faces a housing shortage, and plans to build 1.5 million new homes are underway. However, simply building more of the same will not solve underlying market issues.

**Key points:**

- Self-builds could contribute significantly to housing targets, with a third of people considering building their own homes (Research by Opinium for Suffolk Building Society, May 2023).
- Bungalow construction has plummeted despite growing demand from older homeowners.
- Stamp duty reform could encourage downsizing, freeing up larger homes for families.

**By the numbers:**

- Only 228 new bungalows were registered in Q3 2023, down 70% from 2022 (National House Building Council)
- 15% of UK homeowners would consider downsizing within five years (Research by Opinium for Suffolk Building Society, June 2024)
- 60% said lower stamp duty would make them more likely to move to a smaller property (Research by Opinium for Suffolk Building Society, June 2024)

**What they're saying:** Richard Norrington, CEO of Suffolk Building Society, said: "We should construct homes that meet the occupants' requirements in terms of quality, space, location, and sustainability, rather than merely building to meet mandatory targets."

**On the role of local authorities:** The Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 requires local authorities to grant permission for suitable serviced plots of land to meet the demand for self-build housebuilding in their areas. However, according to the Suffolk Building Society, the registers documenting available plots are not always actively promoted by local authorities.

**The bottom line:** Suffolk Building Society argues that addressing diverse housing needs – including self-builds, bungalows, and incentives for downsizing – is crucial for a more effective solution to the UK's housing challenges.

### Independent local journalism is expensive to produce

It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners.