How do financial systems affect access to housing in the UK?
I can explain what housing options are available in the UK and how renters are protected by the law.
How do financial systems affect access to housing in the UK?
I can explain what housing options are available in the UK and how renters are protected by the law.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The main housing options in the UK are buying with a mortgage, private renting, social housing and shared ownership.
- Each option offers benefits and challenges depending on an individual’s income, financial stability and future goals.
- Financial factors, such as mortgage interest rates and income levels, influence whether people can afford to buy a home.
- Recent rises in house prices in 2025 have made it more difficult for many to join the property ladder.
- Renters are protected by laws like Awaab’s Law and the Renters Reform Bill, with help from Shelter and Citizens Advice.
Keywords
Mortgage - a loan from a bank or building society to help buy a house, is paid back, usually over a period of up to 25 years, with interest
Renting - paying money regularly, usually monthly, to live in a home that you do not own
Social housing - homes provided by the Government, local government or housing association at lower rents to help people who cannot afford to rent or buy on the private market
Renters - people who live in a rented home
Common misconception
Only people with very low incomes can apply for social housing.
While social housing is mainly aimed at people with lower incomes or in urgent need, you don’t have to be unemployed or on benefits to apply. Local councils assess need based on income, family size and housing situation, not just income alone.
To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: How do financial systems affect access to housing in the UK?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: How do financial systems affect access to housing in the UK?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
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Adult supervision recommended
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
help users plan their spending by dividing money into categories.
can stop some people accessing modern financial services.
automatically calculate how much you can save based on your spending.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a loan to help buy a house and is paid back with interest
paying money regularly to live in a home that you do not own
homes provided by the Government with lower rents to help people
people who live in a rented home
a law created to improve conditions in social housing
a law aiming to give renters more security and rights
a charity offering support with housing issues
an organisation that gives renters legal advice