Towards closing the housing gap in the UK: exploration of the influencing factors and the way forward

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Emerald on 11-01-2023. The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.Purpose: Housing provides constructed space for human activities. Literature indicates that housing impacts wealth, education attainment and health outcomes, among others. Due to its contributions to society, it is essential to develop and implement strategies that address the housing shortage experienced in most cities across the globe. The study aims to unpack the factors affecting housing production in the UK and chart the way forward. Methodology: In addressing the study's aim, an interprivitst approach was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen experienced professionals. Data were collected across the four nations of the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). Findings: The results indicated that the opportunistic behaviour of stakeholders is one of the main factors affecting housing production in the study area. Also, modern construction methods, collaborative practices, government intervention and affordable housing schemes were identified as key strategies for addressing housing production factors. Implication: The study identified strategies for mitigating housing production issues that provide a focal point to all stakeholders keen on filling the housing shortage gap and improving productivity to channel their resources and effort accordingly. Originality/value: This study is one of the first to empirically analyse the influencing factors on the housing gap in the UK from the perspective of the supply-side, to provide information that could lead towards closing the said gap