I was watching Homes Under the Hammer with my mum recently. It is one of those programmes that is easy to dip into. Someone buys a property, renovates it, and then the presenters return to reveal what it is now worth or how much rental income it could achieve.

It is a simple formula, but one that has captured people’s imagination for many years.

The final reveal is always the same. The work is complete, the figures are announced, and you can see the sense of achievement on the buyer’s face. They have created value and made a profit.

There is nothing wrong with that. Renovating properties takes skill, effort and financial risk. Profit is an important part of a healthy economy.

But while watching it, I found myself thinking about something broader.

The programme unintentionally reflects how we have come to view housing in Britain.

Almost every story ends with the same question:

“How much is it worth now?”

Rarely is success measured by the quality of the home that has been created or by the people who will eventually live there. Instead, the focus is usually on the increase in value or the income it can generate.

Over time, we have encouraged people to see their home not only as somewhere to live, but also as their biggest investment.

For many, that has created enormous wealth. However, it has also contributed to a housing market where the next generation faces an increasingly difficult path to ownership.

Perhaps this raises a bigger question:

What is the purpose of a home?

Maybe we need to separate the idea of a home from the idea of an investment.

Investment is essential. It allows businesses to grow, creates jobs and helps build the future. But perhaps we should think more carefully about where that investment is directed.

A home should primarily be a place to live.

An investment should ideally help create future prosperity.

This does not mean criticising people who have benefited from rising house prices. Most homeowners simply bought a home, paid their mortgage and followed the system that existed at the time.

You cannot change the past.

The question is what happens next.

Rather than simply increasing taxes or making property investment less attractive, perhaps we should consider how to redirect investment towards where it is most needed.

Governments could explore professionally managed housing investment funds that allow private investors to help finance affordable and social housing while receiving a reasonable return.

For investors, this could provide many of the benefits they are looking for, a stable income, professional management and less of the uncertainty that comes with owning individual properties. For society, it could create more homes without relying solely on government spending.

The investor still receives a return. More housing is created. Capital is directed towards solving a problem rather than simply competing for existing homes.

Perhaps the challenge is not stopping investment, but guiding it.

Rather than seeing investors as part of the problem, governments could work with them to help address the housing challenges we face.

By creating attractive, well-managed investment opportunities that help deliver the homes we need, we can allow investors to achieve a fair return while also creating wider social benefits.

The answer may not be to discourage investment, but to ensure that investment is helping to build the future rather than simply competing for what already exists.

About Michael Morris Estate Agents

Established in 1994, Michael Morris Estate Agents has over 30 years' experience serving Finsbury Park, N4 and the surrounding areas. We provide expert advice on property sales, lettings and property management, including valuations and market appraisals.

Visit  : https://www.michaelmorris.co.uk/ or call 0207 354 8899.