New homes in England will have to last 2,000 years if the current slow rate of house building continues, according to a report by the LGA. It said the country spent almost as much on the repair and upkeep of existing homes last year (£27 billion) as on construction (£35 billion) and that one in 10 buyers of new homes were dissatisfied with the build quality. The LGA urged house builders to work with councils to ensure new homes are well built and will stand the test of time.