Pocket homes
Pocket homes are a type of flat developed by Pocket Living. They were created by chief executive Marc Vlessing as a solution to the problems faced by London's ‘Generation Rent’. His answer was to make them smaller.
Pocket homes are 38 sq. m but are designed with the ‘psychology of space’ in mind, appearing to be larger than they are. They incorporate underfloor heating rather than radiators, showers rather than baths, and high ceilings to maximise natural light. Each flat has a hallway with utility cupboard and storage space, open plan kitchen and dining area, living space, and a separate bedroom. To maximise land use, the flats do not come with car parking.
The average Pocket home is 20% cheaper than a conventional flat.
Potential purchasers must be first-time buyers earning less than the Mayor of London’s affordable housing limit (up to £90,000 per household as of 2018), and must be living or working in the relevant borough. When the buyer comes to sell the Pocket home, they must also sell to someone earning below the limit, which effectively caps the property value by aligning it to wage increases rather than property prices.
In 2017, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced a partnership with Pocket Living, offering a £25 million loan to build more Pocket homes across London.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.