Share this on

Ikea Launches Flatpack Homes in Britain

The first development of 90 BoKlok flats and houses is expected to be built early next year.

From The Guardian -- Interior Design, 12/4/2006 12:00:00 AM

In a move likely to strike terror into the heart of anyone who has struggled to put together an Ikea wardrobe, the iconic Swedish furniture chain is to launch its own range of houses in Britain.

The good news, though, is that Allen keys will not be required, as the timber-framed homes will come ready-built.

The houses - known as BoKloks in Scandinavia, Swedish for "live smart" and pronounced "booklook" - are being launched by the flatpack furniture group as a solution to Britain's lack of affordable housing.

Flats will be priced at under £100,000 and the company said it expects to sell three-bedroom houses, even in south east England, at less than £150,000.

The homes will all have high ceilings, double glazing and be fitted out with Ikea kitchens and trademark wooden floors.

With first-time buyers facing an increasingly tough struggle to get on to the housing ladder, the group is expecting big demand for the homes and potential buyers may even have to be chosen by lottery.

Visit The Guardian to read more.