The demand for affordable housing has never been so challenging. Considering also that the population is expected to surpass 70 million by 2031.The government’s housing targets have also fallen well short, then throw in to the melting pot Brexit and a pandemic. In 2015 the government had ambitions to improve housing stock by 1 million by 2020. Analysis of housing data suggests that in real terms the figure of 300,000 homes annually will not be met until 2028. This compounded by a shortfall of 20,000 homes in London alone. It therefore seems a simple remedy to utilise air space above existing buildings. Legislation and planning came in to effect on the 1st August 2020 under new permitted development rights (PDR). In short freeholders and property owners can now build upwards (purpose built flats/detached blocks) a further two additional floors. However given that this invariably affects numerous property owners under one umbrella achieving an Airspace development may not be as straightforward as other relaxed attitudes towards Permitted Development Rights. Airspace development need not be the sole preserve of property developers. Coupled with the Leasehold Reform Act this represents excellent opportunities for those residents in blocks of flats and leasehold/freehold owners in multi-occupied properties. The idea of creating wealth and exploiting/creating value for existing flat/apartment owners need not be pie in the sky. Airspace development is restricted to blocks of 3 floors or more. The extended block must not be over 30 metres in total. The extended height can not be more than 7 metres compared to the highest point of the existing roof. New floors must be no more than 3 metres in height New floors must consist of flats/apartments alone Airspace development only applies to properties built post 1st July 1948 and prior to 5th March 2018. There are further exclusion such as whether the existing site sits within a site of special scientific interest. Local authority consideration includes contamination and flooding risks, transport and highways and the impact on air traffic and defence assets. Further Reference: PART 20 – Construction of New Dwellinghouses – Class A