Monday, Aug 16, 2010
Cheaper way to live in London - camp
Guardian: London property prices forcing commuters to live under canvas
London's campsites are teeming with commuters who have shunned bricks and mortar to make ends meet
Posted by sof @ 12:48 PM (804 views) Add Comment
7 Comments
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1. mark said...
Brilliant idea, costs very little, maybe we should open more campsites, i bet there is a great community spirit round the campfire or portable BBQ
2. Yoss said...
Strange how people that work can make do with so little. Yet you mention capping benefits and all of a sudden you're a baby eating nazi?
3. drewster said...
All the people in this article didn't live in the campsite year-round; they all had a "proper" home to go to, far away from London. It would be rather hard living in a tent for more than a few weeks. As for caravans, they are a less efficient use of land than houses or flats. They certainly don't provide any kind of long-term solution.
4. mark wadsworth said...
Drewster, that's where we differ. Those big static caravans are perfectly adequate for living in, maybe you'd need two for a family. And if you have an extended family, you can just share a bigger pitch with your relatives and their caravans.
If the neighbourhood gets a bit rough, you just ring the lorry people and ask for your caravans to be moved somewhere a bit more exclusive.
It's like land value tax by the back door - what's not to like?
5. drewster said...
MW,
They're fine for areas of low housing demand; but in cities the LVT on a caravan-sized plot (plus space around for getting it in/out) would be too high to make it cost-effective. I'm much more in favour of high-rise for cities.
Here's an interesting exploration of the economic and social issues surrounding "trailer parks" in America: PhysOrg.com: Trailer Park Residents Face Multiple Challenges. Obviously some of the issues stem from the socio-economic profile of the residents ("trailer trash") but many issues apply regardless. Ulitimately I don't think the idea has much appeal; and if it hasn't taken off in America then I really can't see it taking off here.
6. mark said...
what about shipping containers I have seen some great apartments built from them
7. nickb said...
Mark,
I would jump at the chance to live in a converted shipping container, Southampton where I live is literally full of them. The problem as I see it will be planning permission and land prices. Plus the council will not want to upset their cosy relationship with major housebuilders by allowing that kind of competition. So expect to give up several years of your life fighting for the right to live in one.
Nick