BSHF seeks to contribute to the improvement of the UK’s housing system by producing research and analysis that is informative, rigorous and reliable. We prize our independence highly and are committed to remaining non-partisan.

We seek to make our research available directly to politicians and policy-makers, to housing practitioners and other researchers, and also to members of the public and those who might be able to use the knowledge we generate in informed debate.

We are always pleased to hear from those who take an interest in housing in the UK, such as individuals and organisations seeking to draw on our knowledge and experience, and researchers seeking to work collaboratively.

Research topics

We work on a wide range of housing topics, including:

• The private rented sector, including the possibility for build-to-let development and the composition of its tenants 
• A comprehensive analysis of the impacts and causes of the UK’s housing supply shortage, and a strategic approach that could contribute to a significant increase in supply
• Tackling empty properties and homelessness through self-help housing and other approaches
• Support with housing costs, with a particular focus on Housing Benefit and the Universal Credit
• A systemic review of UK housing
• Housing for migrant workers
• Accommodating Gypsies and Travellers
• Refugee housing, integration and housing rights (external link)
• Community Land Trusts 

As well as our own publications, we seek to make comprehensive contributions to government committees and consultations related to our areas of expertise.

In addition to these research topics, we are always interested in new areas of work that will contribute to decent and affordable housing for all.

Further details of our work are available in the UK Housing Policy and Practice publications section.

Consultations at Windsor Castle

Each year, BSHF organises a three-day consultation at St George's House in Windsor Castle, bringing together leading experts and practitioners to discuss a theme of current housing concern and to identify ways in which possible solutions can be put into place.

By making room for ‘high-quality disagreement’, we facilitate discussions that invariably show the issue in a new light, and provide recommendations for effective action.

The recommendations resulting from these deliberations are used to encourage and support practical and realistic change in both policy and practice. 

A report is produced following the consultation, which summarises the discussions that took place, illustrates good practice case studies and identifies the key recommendations for action.

In 2012 our report, Building New Homes for Rent, proposed a new financial model to support the build-to-let sector, as discussed at our Windsor consultation.