Rural House Price Surge Forces Over Half a Million Locals into Renting

A recent report by the County Councils Network reveals that rising house prices in rural England have led to a significant increase in renting, affecting over half a million individuals over the past decade. With a 19% rise in rural renting outpacing urban areas like London, the average house price in rural counties now stands at £309,000, making it the most unaffordable region outside London.

Locals like Sophie Brown from the Cotswolds highlight the challenges faced in accessing affordable housing, with properties in sought-after areas often exceeding half a million pounds. The influx of second-home buyers and holiday lettings further exacerbates the situation, leading to a shortage of affordable rental homes and placing many individuals on council waiting lists for years.

Cara Loukes from the Gloucestershire Rural Community Council emphasizes the dire consequences of the housing crisis, including the risk of communities dying socio-economically if the issue remains unaddressed. The report also highlights alarming statistics such as a 31% increase in private renting, a 10% rise in council housing waiting lists, and a 52% surge in temporary accommodation usage over the last five years.

The County Councils Network calls for urgent government intervention, proposing measures to accelerate the delivery of new homes across all tenures, with a focus on social housing and a review of policies like the right-to-buy scheme. While the government has pledged funds to boost housing supply and affordability, there remains a pressing need for comprehensive action to create a fair housing system that benefits all residents, both in rural and urban areas.

Source: BBC