The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has published Housing in England 2005-06, which provides key housing data on owner occupation and on the social and private rented sectors.

The survey shows that in 2005-06, there were 14.6m (70%) owner-occupied households, 3.7m (18%) social renters and 2.5m (12%) private renters. It also shows that the proportion of people aged 25-34 who are owner-occupiers has fallen, with private renting becoming more common amongst this age group.

Housing minister Yvette Cooper said: “These figures show that young families will feel the strain if we don’t build more homes. We have the highest level of housebuilding now since 1990 but the supply of housing has still not kept pace with demand, which is why the Prime Minister has announced plans for three million new homes by 2020. People who are opposing new housing development need to consider the unfair consequences for young people.

“In the last few weeks and months, we have seen councils in the South East and Yorkshire oppose proposals for increased housing. Today’s figures show that every region needs more homes and every council needs to do its bit to help future first-time buyers.”

The annual survey of nearly 20,000 households was carried out for the department by the National Centre for Social Research.