High quality design adds value to homes and places - not only in terms of house prices but also happier residents, safer communities and better public spaces. A well-designed home is cheaper to run, grows old gracefully and responds to the needs of its inhabitants.

But too many homes and their surroundings in the UK fall short in terms of design. CABE's own Housing Audit recently found that only 18% of new developments can be classed as good or very good. The majority of new homes built in the UK are just not up to scratch in terms of their design and their build quality- and whilst we can debate the causes of this and the historical context, the fact is that we need to do better.

The RIBA and its members want to work together with the housebuilding industry to deliver well designed, sustainable and affordable homes. We annually celebrated the National Housing Design Awards|, which show what can be done when developers and architects work together.

The RIBA has reengaged with Government and the housing industry to try to improve our housing stock, both current and future. In 2007 we put forward a number of recommendations in our position in our publication Better Homes and Neighbourhoods|. We continue to work towards raising the quality of design, and the ability of our homes to play major roles in improving lifestyles, combating climate change, and creating better communities.

Find out more about the RIBA's Housing Policy here|.