A 'shortage of affordable housing in the countryside'

Posted: 25 Nov 2009 12:24:31 GMT

Some 62 per cent of those who live in the countryside believe there is a shortage of affordable housing in rural England, new research reveals.

The study from the National Housing Federation also shows that 66 per cent of rural dwellers would support the construction of new, affordable homes in their area.

Martin Collett, operations director at English Rural Housing Association, says that house prices have been pushed beyond the reach of many local people due to the surge in popularity of people relocating to the country.

He says: "Our experience is that most villages need some affordable homes for local people to help sustain the local services that are provided in the village."

A further 66 per cent of those surveyed believe the government cares more about the issues that affect those living in urban areas.

According to the annual Halifax Rural Housing Review, the average rural house price is £203,535, which is 21 per cent higher than the average urban house price of £168,376.

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