Escape the 'crowded rental sector' with a self build

The private rental sector is becoming increasingly crowded, it has been claimed.

Paul Sellers, housing policy adviser at the Trades Union Congress (TUC), says that the average age of people buying houses is increasing because of the lack of new developments.

This housing shortage has pushed more youngsters into renting but it could also see more people look to self build.

The TUC has produced a guide about the range of options that young people have when it comes to housing and property ownership.

"We found there was a demand for young people wanting to find out about housing, they can talk to their friends and family but there wasn't a general guide," Mr Sellers says.

According to a recent survey by the government, more than one-third of 25-year-old men and 19 per cent of 25-year-old women still live at home.