Communities and Local Government
A selection of images representing communities.
Direct contact 020 7944 4400- contactus@communities.gov.uk
- Housing
- Housing research and statistics
- Housing surveys
- English Housing Survey (EHS)
- Introduction to the EHS
Introduction to the EHS
The English Housing Survey (EHS) was launched in April 2008. The EHS is a continuous national survey commissioned by Communities and Local Government that collects information about people's housing circumstances and the condition and energy efficiency of housing in England.
The survey covers all housing tenures and provides valuable information and evidence to inform the development and monitoring of the department's housing policies. Results from the survey will also be used by a wide range of other users including other government departments; local authorities; housing associations; landlords; academics; construction industry professionals; consultants; and the general public.
Links to similar surveys conducted in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can be found on the EHS homepage.
The EHS has three component surveys: the interview survey; the physical survey; and the market value survey. The interview survey is conducted with all householders in the sample (around 17,000 households per year). The physical survey involves a physical inspection by qualified surveyors of a subsample of around 8,000 properties per year. For these properties a (desk based) market valuation is also undertaken. A periodic follow-up survey with private landlords is also undertaken to collect information on landlord experiences and attitudes, what type of landlord they are and why and how they became landlords.
Prior to the launch of the EHS, the department previously conducted two housing surveys: the Survey of English Housing (SEH) and the English House Condition Survey (EHCS). The EHS brings these surveys together into a single fieldwork operation. The survey is currently being conducted by the Office for National Statistics as part of their wider Continuous Population Survey. The physical survey is conducted by Miller Mitchell Burley Lane working together with the Building Research Establishment. Information on the background to the move to the EHS can be found in the EHS FAQs.
If you would like any further information about the EHS or to be added to the mailing list for our electronic newsletter please contact us at:
EHS Project Management
2/A2
Eland House
Bressenden Place
London
SW1E 5DU
Tel 020 7944 3526
email: ehs@communities.gsi.gov.uk
