UK councils have argued that the sluggish rate of housebuilding in the country means that existing homes must house more people and last longer , leading to the country spending nearly as much on repair and maintenance of existing homes as it does on building new ones . Local authority leaders also raised concern about the private rented sector, where 28% of homes are not in a decent state. In 2010 , £ 27bn ( $ 34.5bn ) was spent repairing existing homes while £ 35bn was spent on new homes . Research by the Local Government Association ( UK ) revealed that the average new home will have to last 2,000 years if the current rate of housebuilding and replacement continues .
UK councils have argued that the sluggish rate of housebuilding in the country means that existing homes must house more people and last longer , leading to the country spending nearly as much on repair and maintenance of existing homes as it does on building new ones . In 2010 , £ 27bn ( $ 34.5bn ) was spent repairing existing homes while £ 35bn was spent on new homes . Research by the Local Government Association ( UK ) revealed that the average new home will have to last 2,000 years if the current rate of housebuilding and replacement continues .