Flat-pack homes have offered an innovative solution in compact home design and affordable housing for young families, but do not answer long-standing housing shortage worries, it was claimed.The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said that the new home solution from Ikea and Live Smart had made a big impression, but explained that the housing problem ran deeper.Flat-Pack homes are designed by IKEA and kitted out in the manufacturers own sleek and modern trademark style, with kitchens in the new home adjoined to the living room in open-plan fashion and fitted with modern wooden-fronted cabinets.Brian Berry, director of external affairs for the FMB, said Flat pack homes can be an immediate, short-term solution to the problem. But they dont actually address the fundamental problem of how to provide high quality housing which meets current housing needs.They certainly have a role to play in addressing short-term need. But what we need to do is actually be thinking about bringing empty homes back into use, and building more homes right across the country.Currently being showcased in Gateshead, the smallest flat-pack home model is a one-bedroom flat costing only 99,500, bringing the prospect of owning a kitchen, lounge and bedroom much closer for many families.