The review describes the competition's use of public sector land and lower construction costs to deliver affordable homes within mixed communities. It highlights the lessons learnt from the competition and provides information on the winning and commended schemes, whilst detailing the various stages and evaluation criteria used. It also discusses the development of a toolkit, 'How to win at housebuilding', for local authorities and other public sector landowners, which promotes the principles of the Design for Manufacture competition.

In September 2004, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott set the challenge to build homes for £60,000, asking government agency English Partnerships to make the challenge a reality. A year after the formal competition launch, six winning consortia were allocated nine sites to begin development. The competition was launched against a background of a growing property market in which many first time buyers struggle to buy their first home. Other than cost and efficiency, objectives included the reduction of waste, environmental soundness and delivery through partnerships.

The competition brief specified that a minimum of 30% of homes in the winning proposal should be two-bedroom homes built for not more than £60,000.

The following key lessons were learnt from the competition:

Department for Communities and Local Government
Phone: +44 20 7944 4400
contactus@communities.gov.uk

01/06/2006

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Department for Communities and Local Government

research

Urban Policy > Housing > Housing quality

Housing design & standards