Housing Research Experience

We have undertaken research, ranging from one-to-one depth interviews to nation-wide quantitative studies, for key actors in the housing field;

Big Issues For The Housing Sector In 2008

Stephen Finlay, Head of Housing Research at Ipsos MORI's Social Research Institute, has been talking to some key housing professionals to find out what's at the top of their agenda for 2008.

One In Four Say Buy To Let Investment Is Having A Negative Impact On Where They Live

A survey by Ipsos MORI shows substantial concern among the general public over the impact private investors are having on the UK's housing market. Ipsos MORI interviewed a representative sample of 2,000 people in mid-July 2007 and found that one in four (24%) think Buy to Let is having a negative impact where they live, with over half (53%) calling for greater government regulation of Buy to Let.

Social Housing Mobility

Communities and Local Government (CLG) commissioned Ipsos MORI to carry out qualitative research with social housing tenants on their attitudes and aspirations towards moving home, either within the social housing sector, or to different tenures. The project involved group discussions and depth interviews with five groups of social housing tenants, focusing on those actively seeking work, disabled people, lone parents, empty nesters and pensioners. The research explored the types of incentives that would encourage people to move, what support they would look for if they were to move, what moves would be realistic, and what barriers there are to moving.

Housing Information Packs (HIP) Baseline Study

We are currently undertaking a major piece of work for the CLG examining the effectiveness of HIPs. We are interviewing buyers, sellers, solicitors and estate agents, as well as industry representatives who are 'early adopters' of HIPs. The research also involves focus groups with members of the public who have recently bought or sold a property.

Housing Stakeholders Consultation

In 2006 the Greater London Authority and London Councils commissioned Ipsos MORI to consult with London's key housing stakeholders to inform the shape and nature of the consultation and engagement structures being set up by the Mayor as a result of the transfer of housing strategy and investment powers. The project used a combination of in-depth (telephone and face-to-face) interviews, an online survey and discussion group to consult with a wide range of stakeholders, presenting suggestions for the arrangement and function of proposed new structures.

The Desirability Of Sustainable Homes To Home Owners

In 2006, the Sponge Sustainability Network (funded by DEFRA) commissioned Ipsos MORI to undertake research to explore the desirability of sustainable homes to home owners, and understand what can be done to drive demand. The research took the form of a quantitative telephone survey of 500 home owners and four discussion groups. Eco Chic or Eco Geek? pdf, 258KB

Housing Corporation

We have twice (2003 and 2006) undertaken in-depth research among senior stakeholders about its range and effectiveness, including chief executives, senior civil servants and permanent secretaries, editors in the trade and national press and the heads of bodies like the Audit Commission, English Partnerships and the CRE, in order to understand fully the context in which they are working and how a range of different organisations perceive them. Stakeholder Perception Survey: December 2006 pdf, 3MB

Stakeholder Perceptions of the Audit Commission's Housing Inspectorate (2007).

In our 2005 stakeholder audit for the Audit Commission, we found that stakeholders in the housing sector were less satisfied than other stakeholders. In order to explore, how, if at all, perceptions have changed over the past two years, Ipsos MORI conducted a follow-up study consisting of a telephone survey of 100 housing stakeholders (mainly from local authorities and housing associations) followed by 10 in-depth interviews with key people in the housing sector.

In addition to the range of experience described above, we also offer the advantage of experience in other sectors of direct relevance to housing. We are the leading provider of research for local government, with long-term working relationships with over 200 local authorities. Similarly, we work extensively in community regeneration and planning, monitoring and improving the effectiveness of regeneration projects and programmes at a local, regional and national level.