'Poor access' for FTBs in rural areas

Posted: 21 Dec 2011 12:19:56 GMT

The problem of affordable housing in rural areas is getting worse, it has been claimed.

First-time buyers residing in rural areas throughout the UK currently have poor access to the housing market.

This is the suggestion of Jason Beedell, head of research at Smiths Gore - a company of property consultants located around the country - who claimed the problem of affordable housing is only getting worse.

The industry figure noted it will take a lot of innovative thinking from the government - be it via the national planning policy framework or the localism bill - to try and address the problem.

And with houses in rural areas becoming less affordable, the knock-on effects will be felt by local businesses.

Mr Beedell added: "Things like pubs and village shops ... It puts added pressure on those if young families, young people and first-time buyers can't live in these areas."

His comments come after Savills recently forecast the average value of farmland in the UK is set to increase by 36 per cent across the next five years. 
 

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