Example housing dissertation topic 9:

A critique of changing local government policies with regard to the renovation of houses and second homes.

Against the backdrop of budget cuts and austerity measures a number of councils have noted that the present rebates given for houses that are being renovated or are empty are to be scrapped. This dissertation analyses the potential effects of this policy on householders within the UK. Focusing on ‘to let’ houses that may stand empty between tenants and renovation work to listed properties (that are hitherto uninhabitable) this dissertation questions whether the changes in council tax rebate will, as councils have presumed, result in an increase in affordable houses becoming available on the market or whether, the result will be higher social rents to tenants (once such properties are let) and a declining number of people willing to salvage Grade II listed buildings for the nation. Combining housing policy, public administration and issues of heritage, this is a dissertation topic that is ‘of the moment’ and accordingly provides ample scope for primary research to be undertaken.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Hennessy, P. (2011). ‘Council tax blow for second-home owners’. The Daily Telegraph, 29th October 2011.
• Mansfield, J. (2009). Sustainable refurbishment: policy direction and support in the UK. Structural Survey, 27(2), 148-161.
• Office of the Prime Minister (2011). Laying the foundations: A housing strategy for England. London: HMSO.