Environmentally-friendly, space-conscious homes are set to become commonplace across the UK within the next 20 years, say experts…

Environmental pressures, changing demographics, technology, plus flexible living and working regimes will pave the way for the development of futuristic four-up-two-down, three-generation family homes within the next 20 years, according to Alliance & Leicester Mortgages’ Home of the Future report.

The research, undertaken in conjunction with think tank the Centre for Future Studies, highlights how new homes will have to be built in response to lifestyle and environmental demands, with as much as the equivalent of one-third of the UK’s total housing stock being built between now and 2050 as a result.

As we live longer and land becomes a high-premium commodity, the homes of the future will look dramatically different and moving house - literally within your home - will become commonplace with walls and floors being added or removed to accommodate up to three generations of the same family.

A glimpse into the future…

As a result of climate change, a house built on stilts will not be unusual in areas at risk of flooding. As well as different looking exteriors, technological developments will mean that by 2027 the typical home will reuse and recycle all of its water. 

Homes will have solar panels to help keep residents cool as temperatures soar. Bio-fuels from plants will become a major energy source for the home, while many people will use wind power to help ease electricity demand by 50 to 90 per cent.

Each home will also have its own household refuse management system bringing an end to the current weekly or fortnightly refuse collections.

Pitched roofs will flatten out to become either roof gardens, with vegetation to aid water gathering or provide food, or space for compost sites. Roofs may even become inverted to maximise rainwater harvesting as water could become a luxury people can ill afford to waste.

New breed of green homes

Dr Frank Shaw, Director at the Centre of Future Studies, commented: “Over the next 20 years the impacts of technology and climate change will bring about a renaissance in how we live at home. Our homes will always be our castles - but they will be significantly more energy efficient, cheaper to run, intelligent, adaptable and more environmentally conscious than the houses we live in today.”

Computers and televisions will become more interactive, spelling the end of the commute and more people working from home. Communities, shops, services and even the relationship with our neighbours could play a far greater part in our daily lives in the absence of work colleagues.

Domestic chores will become less of a task as homes will be fitted with sophisticated robotic systems and integrated domestic appliances allowing people more time to relax in their homes.

Stephen Leonard, Director of Mortgages at Alliance & Leicester, said: “Radical changes to our homes will occur during the next 20 years with changing demographics and environmental concerns paving the way for a new breed of green homes. Government schemes have already been developed to promote sustainable building practice for new homes, which will mean less waste and more recycling, so expect this to be the beginning of a new era for home building.”