British English · B2 · Unit 9
Cities and housing
Cities and housing
By the end you can
- Discuss problems with housing
- Propose a change to your town or city
- Understand a report about housing
Words and phrases
| British English | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| affordable housing | homes that people on normal incomes can pay for | There isn't enough affordable housing in the city. |
| planning permission | official permission from the council to build | They still don't have planning permission. |
| the local community | the people who live in an area | The council needs to listen to the local community. |
| housing estate | a large area of houses built together (British) | They're building a new housing estate on the edge of town. |
| first-time buyers | people buying their first home | Prices are too high for first-time buyers. |
| get on the property ladder | buy your first home | We'll never get on the property ladder at this rate. |
| sky-high | very high (for prices) | Rents in London are sky-high. |
| a council house | a home rented from the local council (British) | I grew up in a council house in Leeds. |
| a high-rise | a very tall building with many floors | They want to put a high-rise next to the park. |
| green space | parks and areas with grass and trees | The new plan has hardly any green space. |
| gentrification | when richer people move into a poorer area and change it | Gentrification has pushed a lot of families out of the area. |
| a cycle lane | a part of the road for bikes | The council could add a cycle lane along the high street. |
Then talk it through
A residents' meeting about a new building project. In the app you have this conversation out loud or typed, with the unit's goals to tick off and corrections at the end.