Kingston wants to build 964 homes a year — but where, and who actually benefits?

Kingston's Housing Strategy 2026-2031 sets an ambitious target: 964 new homes per year with 50% affordable. On paper, this sounds transformative. The detail is less convincing.

The gap between targets and reality

Housing targets in Kingston have been missed consistently. The previous London Plan target was 964 homes per year and the borough fell short. Setting the same target again and expecting different results requires explanation.

What counts as affordable?

This is where the language gets slippery. "Affordable" housing in Kingston includes shared ownership, where you buy 25-50% and rent the rest. On a Kingston property valued at £400,000, you would need a deposit of £20,000-£40,000 and a mortgage of £80,000-£160,000, plus rent on the remainder. For many residents, this is not affordable in any meaningful sense.

Social rent — genuinely affordable housing set by government formula — makes up a shrinking proportion of "affordable" delivery. The 50% target does not specify how much will be social rent versus shared ownership.

The Norbiton community land trust

The community land trust pilot is the most interesting element. By separating land ownership from home ownership, it can keep homes permanently affordable. But it is a pilot — a small number of homes in one area. Whether the council will scale this model or let it remain a token gesture is the question.

Who benefits from development?

Large housing developments generate significant Section 106 contributions and Community Infrastructure Levy payments from developers. Residents should be asking where this money goes and whether it is genuinely improving infrastructure in the areas affected by new building.

Ask your councillor

What percentage of new "affordable" homes will be social rent? When was the last time Kingston hit its annual housing target? Message your councillor through Council Watch.