AJC Group is calling for renewed focus on rebuilding the housing ladder, following new data showing that only a fraction of young adults are financially able to get onto the property ladder or find an affordable rental property. 

Referencing key findings from the recently published “Saving the British Dream: Investing in First-Time Buyers for Economic Renewal” report by Public First, Director David Cracklen from AJC Group highlights that just 10.4% of 20–44-year-olds without a home can afford to buy – a figure that drops to just 2.9% for single adults. The report also revealed that 94% of non-homeowners aged 18 – 44 still aspire to own their own home, yet most are locked out due to high costs and limited access to affordable options.*

David Cracklen, Director of AJC Group, said: “We talk a lot about the housing crisis, but not nearly enough about the fact that the housing ladder has collapsed for millions. It’s not just about building more homes, but it’s about delivering the right homes in the right places that people can actually afford.

“At AJC Group, we’re proud to work in partnership with housing associations and local authorities to deliver truly affordable homes that are energy-efficient and built to serve local communities across Dorset. These homes are essential infrastructure, and they give people a solid foundation and viable option to get onto the housing ladder.”

With private homebuilding slowing and planning delays mounting, AJC Group argues that now is the time for stronger collaboration between responsible developers, councils and housing associations to accelerate the delivery of genuinely affordable homes.

The company is currently delivering 100% affordable housing schemes across Dorset and the New Forest, where historically, affordable housing has fallen short. All properties are designed to meet high sustainability standards and include air-source heat pumps, solar PV, and EV charging points, and are located close to key amenities and transport links. In the past five years, AJC Group has delivered eight 100% affordable housing schemes, all offering shared ownership opportunities, out of choice, rather than obligation, demonstrating a commitment to long-term housing affordability and community wellbeing.

Cracklen added: “The findings in the report are a wake-up call. Affordable housing plays a crucial role not just in solving the crisis, but in reintroducing opportunity and hope into the system. Rebuilding the housing ladder isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s about creating a future where everyone has a fair chance to climb.”

To truly scale the delivery of affordable homes across the country, AJC Group is calling for a new Affordable Homes Programme (AHP) to be introduced at the June spending review. The government’s most direct lever to increase social housebuilding is grant funding through the AHP. 

AJC supports Shelter’s ‘Brick by Brick’ campaign and urges the government to deliver a reformed 10-year AHP, focused primarily on social rent, devolved powers, and a simplified application process. Such reform would empower SME developers, councils, and housing associations to build the homes communities urgently need.

To find out more about AJC Group and its work across the region, visit www.ajcgroup.uk.

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