In a UK-first for Ikea, the flat-pack company has announced it will be building around 400 homes across Worthing, Bristol and Peacehaven after exchanging contracts on building developments.

Working with Ikea-owned BoKlok — a sustainable, quality and low-cost home provider — they are aiming to have most of the houses ready for homeowners by 2021. However, some of them will be sold to local authorities and housing associations to be part of their social housing schemes.

BoKlok is a home ownership concept from Sweden, which is owned by Skanska and Ikea, and has already developed 11,000 homes across Sweden, Finland and Norway.

Plans for the affordable homes were first discussed in July last year, but they have now been given the go-ahead. BoKlok explained on their website that they wanted to 'make it possible for people with average incomes to own a sustainable, quality, low cost home'.

Completed using modern methods of construction, BoKlok explain that the homes will be manufactured off-site, featuring Ikea fittings such as their kitchens. Once the properties have been finished, they will then be transported to the construction site for assembly.

'We are delighted to meet this first milestone for our UK business. We are grateful to our partners and the local authorities we are working with who have been supportive in sharing our vision of sustainable, quality, low cost homes for all,' explains Jonas Spangenberg, BoKlok President.

According to recent statistics, house prices in Worthing are 11 times the average salary — meaning that many are left unable to find suitable accommodation. Once these homes reach completion, the hope is that it will provide people with the opportunity to afford a property of their own.

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'In this current market, it's extremely tough for local people who are in full-time work to get on the housing market. This proposal could change that, giving these hard-working individuals a genuine chance to buy their own home without having to move out of the town,' said Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Council's executive member for regeneration to the BBC.

The first developments are expected to be completed in 2021.

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15 stylish clothes racks perfect for extra storage
Best Clothes Rails: Rattan Clothes Rack
French Cane Clothes Rail
French Cane Clothes Rail
£225 at Dunelm
Credit: Dunelm

We're starting our edit with this gorgeous French cane clothes rail from Dunelm. An essential for lovers of rattan and boho decor, this clothes rail would look bang on trend when paired with a rattan headboard and bedside tables.

Best Clothes Rails: Nordic Clothes Rack
YOUDENOVA Black Clothes Rail on Wheels
YOUDENOVA Black Clothes Rail on Wheels
Now 14% Off
Credit: Amazon

Functional, stylish and set on wheels, this industrial-style contemporary clothes rack offers ample rail space and a grid-like bottom shelf for shoes and bags.

Best Clothes Rails: Curved Copper Clothes Rack
Curved Gold Clothes Rail
Curved Gold Clothes Rail
Credit: Dunelm

If you love metallic accents, choose this quirky copper clothing rack from Dunelm. With two handy shelves and four hanging rails, it's perfect for adding a modern twist to a regular clothes rail.

Best Clothes Rails: Foldable Bamboo Clothes Rack
Collapsible Bamboo Clothes Rail
Collapsible Bamboo Clothes Rail
Credit: John Lewis

This clothes rack has a sturdy bamboo rod frame and a fabric box for hidden storage. Folding flat when not in use, it offers compact and stylish storage that can be easily stored away when not in use.

Best Clothes Rails: Swirl Cream Clothes Rack
Argos Home Heavy Duty Decorative Clothes Rail
Argos Home Heavy Duty Decorative Clothes Rail
Credit: Argos

If you're looking for a clothes rack that exudes elegance without breaking the bank, this pretty clothes rack from Argos is ticking all the style boxes. It boasts delicate swirls and a fresh cream finish, complete with wheels for easy manoeuvring.

Best Clothes Rails: Wood Clothes Rack With Shelf
Wooden Clothes Rail With Top Shelf
Wooden Clothes Rail With Top Shelf
Credit: Not On The High Street

Looking for a wall-hung clothes rail and shelf storage? This lovely design from Not On The High Street could do the trick. There's enough space for your favourite outfits, plus a top shelf for your hats or bags. The natural wood design will bring a cool Scandi feel to your space.

Best Clothes Rails: Grey Clothes Rack
Grey Clothes Rail
Dunelm Grey Clothes Rail
Credit: Dunelm

In a stylish grey colourway, this clothes rail is durable yet lightweight enough to move and transport to any room you wish. The bottom rack is ideal for storing shoes. On a budget? This is a great buy at just £49.

Best Clothes Rails: White Clothes Rack With Mirror
Clothes Rail with Mirror
Clothes Rail with Mirror
Credit: Mano Mano

A clothes rack and mirror in one? Yes, please! This freestanding rail is ideal if you want to create a mini dressing area. The white frame will suit all interiors.

Best Clothes Rails: Black & Wood Clothes Rack
Durand Black Rolling Clothes Racks
Durand Black Rolling Clothes Racks
Now 32% Off
Credit: Wayfair

This black clothes rack looks so sleek. We love the solid wooden shelf for storing extra shoes or bags. This would make a great addition to any industrial-inspired bedroom.

Best Clothes Rails: Cupboard Clothes Rack
Paska Wood and Metal Hanging Wardrobe Unit
Paska Wood and Metal Hanging Wardrobe Unit
Now 40% Off
Credit: La Redoute

We really love the extra storage features that come with this sleek clothes rail. There are three shelves to store shoes, plus a stylish cupboard for you to store any unsightly items you don't want on show. A real winner from us!

Best Clothes Rails: Large Clothes Rack
Brooklyn White Clothes Rail
Brooklyn White Clothes Rail
Credit: John Lewis

This stylish clothes rail gets five stars from us. Measuring up at over a metre wide, it's ideal if you've got an obsession with clothes. The wooden shelf for shoes or handbags is a real bonus, too.

Best Clothes Rails: Heavy Duty Clothes Rack
Black Clothes Rack
Black Clothes Rack
Credit: Wayfair

This is another wide, heavy duty clothes rack we're loving. With a sleek black finish, it's ideal for contemporary and industrial-themed interiors. The shoe rack below provides extra storage space.

Best Clothes Rails: White Clothes Rack With Shelves
Heavy Duty Clothes Rail
eSituro Heavy Duty Clothes Rail
Credit: Amazon

Made of premium wood fibre board and thick metal rods, this white clothes rack gives you ample space to store clothes on the rail and folded garments on the four shelves. You can even pop throws and cushions on the bottom shelf.

Best Clothes Rails: Kids Clothes Rack
Kids Rico Hanging Clothes Rail
Kids Rico Hanging Clothes Rail
Credit: Habitat

This adorable children's clothes rack has enough space to store all of your little one's favourite clothes and shoes. The best part? It measures up at a metre high, meaning you can teach your kids to hang their own clothes after they've been freshly washed.

Best Clothes Rails: Leaning Clothes Rack
Tower Leaning Clothes Rail
Tower Leaning Clothes Rail
Credit: Amazon

Neat, compact, and a real space-saver, this leaning clothes rack is fixed against the wall at an angle, taking up almost no space on the floor. It's perfect for a narrow hallway or bedrooms with limited floor space.

Headshot of Lisa Joyner
Lisa Joyner
Senior Digital Writer, House Beautiful and Country Living

 Lisa Joyner is the Senior Digital Writer at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.