Community engagement: How Gen Z homebuyers can shape the future of new-build developments

Benefits of community engagement

Community engagement in new-build developments is when a property developer includes the local community and potential future residents in the planning process of a new project. It ensures that the values, needs, and aspirations of the future homeowners and current community are respected and considered. This approach holds inclusivity at its forefront and promotes social cohesion, whilst reducing opposition and preserving an area’s personality and cultural heritage.

Community engagement matters as it creates equitable and sustainable living environments that put the needs of residents first. As the newest first-homebuying generation, it is essential that Gen Z gets involved with community engagement initiatives to make sure their voice is heard.

Have your say

Having the opportunity to shape your living environment means that housing projects in your area will reflect your individual needs and those of your community. It is vital that these initiatives contain an accurate representation of a community – Liverpool new-build developments and those in Manchester will have different local nuances to consider, as is the case for other areas of the country. For example, it could be that greater importance is placed on communal areas in a project, or larger and varied green spaces could be required in more urban environments.

Community engagement needs to be holistic, taking into account all stakeholders in the area. Gen Zers – being the youngest generation of homebuyers – are the ones who will likely be living in these environments the longest.

Build stronger communities

Trust and cooperation are the foundations of a strong community. When locals are active participants in the development process, they naturally experience a deeper sense of connection to their neighbours and surroundings. This leads to thriving, supportive communities, filled with residents who look out for each other. As a first-time buyer, is there anything more important than feeling secure in your surroundings and the people you’re surrounded by?

Inclusivity and representation

It makes sense that when a broad range of residents engage in the planning process, a diverse range of voices are heard. The resulting development will be one that meets the needs and requirements of everyone in the community, which is especially important when considering marginalised and vulnerable groups. Gen Z is far more diverse than its predecessors in terms of race, ethnicity, and sexual identity. Make your voice heard to ensure diversity, inclusion, and equity are at the top of the project agenda.

The environment

Community engagement can ensure that new-build developments place greater importance on the use of renewable energy, waste reduction, and ethical sourcing of materials. Gen Z, widely referred to as the eco-conscious generation, prioritises sustainable practices. So much so that 82% express concern about the state of the planet, with 72% having changed their behaviours to reduce environmental impact.

Housing issues young people face

We know what you might be thinking: ‘This is meaningless, I can’t afford a house.’ Unfortunately, it has, in recent history, been incredibly difficult for young people to get a foot on the housing ladder. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) tells us that for 2022-2023, 39% of 25-34 year olds owned their home, this is 20% lower than the peak of 59% seen in the year 2000. This has been exacerbated by a sharp rise in property prices – the average home price has increased by 173% in England and 253% in London since 1997. However, it’s not all doom and gloom! There are several alternative home-buying schemes available to help budding buyers get onto the property ladder without having to save huge deposits.

Shared Ownership for Gen Z

We list thousands of Shared Ownership properties on our website which many first-time homebuyers are eligible for but haven’t even heard of. Shared Ownership makes owning a property, be it a countryside development in Yorkshire or a new-build home in a city like Oxford, more attainable.

It’s a government-supported scheme that gives first time buyers the chance to purchase a share of a property, instead of the entire thing, and pay a subsidised rent to a housing association on the portion they don’t own – this doesn’t mean your home will never be fully yours, though. You still take out a mortgage and pay monthly instalments. You then have the option of buying more shares, or the whole property, in the future through a process called staircasing.

Visit our Shared Ownership hub to find out more about the scheme, your eligibility, and properties available to buy across the country.

Getting involved with community engagement initiatives

You can get information about your local neighbourhood association and community engagement opportunities by contacting your local council. From there, you can attend committee meetings and events to start making your voice heard.

Gen Z are an essential part of local communities and should be vocal on new development projects. At Share to Buy, you can take advantage of home-buying schemes like Shared Ownership to land the home of your dreams. Just head over to our property portal to start searching for the right home for you.