Every day we hear how the country is in the grip of a housing crisis and the only way out is to build new homes.

To tackle the issue, the government sets each council a target of new properties which must be constructed every three years.

The argument is that by increasing the supply, more first-time buyers will be able to get on the ladder - particularly as they can take advantage of the Help to Buy equity loan with new-builds, where the government contributes a 20% deposit.

But what does this supply of new homes in Kent actually look like - and are they anywhere near affordable for the average family?

There is a new-build in Dartford described by estate agents as a chance to "get on the property ladder".

The semi-detached house, advertised on Zoopla as a four-bed, is on the market for £535,000 - or £423 per sq ft.

Elsewhere in Dartford, there is another £500,000 four-bed for sale.

Yet for this previously-owned property you will only be paying £375 per sq ft.

Why does size matter? Because property consultants are using this metric to entice developers to build new homes in the county on land set for development.

In a brochure for a "development opportunity" in Whitstable, Bidwells highlights how new-builds in the town can achieve in excess of £800 per sq ft “for a premium finish and position”.

They give a £850,000 three-bed penthouse in Fitzroy Road as an example.

For the developers the attraction is obvious. The more luxury homes you can fit onto a plot of land, the more money you will make.

Meanwhile, councils in Canterbury, Medway, Sevenoaks, Gravesham and Tonbridge & Malling are facing government sanctions for missing their new homes targets.

It means that if these local authorities now reject a proposed housing scheme, it is more likely a planning inspector will overturn the decision.

So councillors and officers must now make decisions on planning applications in line with the “presumption in favour of sustainable development”.

In short, it makes it far more likely new homes in these parts of Kent will get approved.

The question is, who will be buying them?

It was revealed earlier this week that one in five enquiries for properties in east Kent last year came from Londoners looking to relocate.

Of course, someone who sells up in the capital is likely to be left with the sort of hefty deposit needed to buy some of the more expensive new-builds in the county.

But is that really helping to solve the housing crisis in Kent?

Below is an example of some of the priciest new-builds for sale in other Kent districts...

Maidstone

Five-bed detached house in Bower Mount Road: £855,000 (£340 per sq ft).

This is one of three new homes being built less than half-a-mile away from Maidstone Barracks station.

Each has underfloor heating on the ground floor and at least two en-suite shower rooms on the first floor.

See more here.

Ashford

Five-bed detached house in Ashford Road, Great Chart, Ashford: £740,000 (£334 per sq ft).

This new-build is part of the Chilmington Lakes development, described by estate agents as an "exclusive collection of luxurious three-, four- and five-bedroom homes in a beautiful landscaped setting".

See more here.

Gravesend

Four-bed at Lansdowne Square, Northfleet, Gravesend: £526,000 (£356 per sq ft).

This "luxury four-bedroom three-storey town house" is described as spacious and perfectly suited to larger growing families - and for those wanting a home office.

It is part of the Cable Wharf development in Northfleet, which is part of the Ebbsfleet Garden City - set to total 15,000 new homes in north Kent.

See more here.

Swale

Five-bed detached house at Faversham Lakes, Faversham: £685,000 (£379 per sq ft).

Part of the Faversham Lakes development, this new home is located 0.8 miles away from the town's railway station.

See more here.

Medway

Four-bed detached house in Marabel Gardens, Clarendon Drive, Strood: £615,000 (£435 per sq ft).

This is the last remaining plot at Marabel Gardens, a development of six "beautifully designed executive homes".

Estate agents say: "If you're looking for the perfect home to raise your family, this property could be your next ideal move."

See more here.

Tonbridge

Five-bed detached house in High House Lane, Hadlow, Tonbridge: £1m (£476 per sq ft).

This new-build on a quiet country road is set to boast stunning views across the surrounding countryside.

See more here.

Canterbury

Three-bed terraced house in Stour Street: £860,000 (£505 per sq ft).

This is part of a new development situated in the heart of Canterbury called The Old Brewery Mews.

Estate agents describe is as "the perfect period, family home" and it is within walking distance of both Canterbury East and West stations.

See more here.

Folkestone

Three-bed flat at the Leas Pavilion, The Leas: £925,000 (£609 / sq ft).

"Luxury modern living married with stylish Edwardian charm", is how this new block of flats on Folkestone seafront is described.

Sea-view apartments are being built on top of the former Leas Club, which has sat derelict for years.

See more here.

Sevenoaks

Five-bed detached house in Wildernesse Mount, Sevenoaks: £2.4m (£619 per sq ft).

This new "family house" is located on a private road in Sevenoaks.

The principal bedroom includes a fully-fitted walk-in dressing room. There is also a terrace overlooking the back garden.

See more here.

Thanet

Two-bed flat in Fitzroy Avenue, Broadstairs: £895,000 (ranging from £697 per sq foot to £1,001 per sq foot).

This brand new "luxury development" includes five two-bed apartments on the seafront.

Each apartment has two allocated parking spaces, located behind electric gates to the rear of the building.

See more here.

*An earlier version of this article said a £4m masionette in Tunbridge Wells, as advertised here on Zoopla, was the most expensive new-build in Kent. However, it has been brought to our attention that it is being sold as a block of eight properties. KentOnline is happy to clarify this.