This book describes in detail how the property market operates, giving a clear picture of the economics of development and the way which development issues are defined by (and in their turn have an effect on) community and individual needs. By describing how the market works and explaining the factors which need to be analysed, the author aims to improve decision-making techniques and machinery.

We need buildings for housing and for the other services they provide for us and our activities. Our demands stimulate supply, creating a market. As the market supplies and services these buildings it makes demands on national resources, changes regional economies and populations, affects the quality of life and creates costs and benefits. Planning professionals set out to regulate the market, sometimes removing imperfections, sometimes creating them. Their policy decisions need to take account of the likely changes in industry, technology, life styles and expectations and the demands they will generate. Because there are never sufficient resources to meet these demands, hard decisions have to be taken. It is essential that the decision makers are as well-informed as possible. This text describes how the market operates, giving a picture of the economics of development, use and management of the built environment. The author pays particular attention to the issues and options for the future, with a view to improving decision-taking in planning.

This 1973 book contains the results of a research project carried out at the National Institute between 1966 and 1969 on the economics of urban form. The effects of size, shape and form on costs of construction are examined for various model settlements. The populations of these models, and hence the facilities requires, are built up from a study of actual towns, existing and planned. Transport systems are examined, as well as the extra costs and advantages of expanding an existing settlement rather than developing on a virgin site. The financing of development and efficient use of resources is also touched upon. Finally, the discussion is placed in a nationwide context by consideration of the possible effects of development on existing towns and cities, whose viability could be endangered by a cumulative decline in their population and economic activity.