5
Jun
Landowners willing to support affordable homes
New research has found two-fifths of rural landowners are prepared
to sacrifice sales profit if it benefits the cash-strapped
community.
The survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics)
found 40 per cent support more affordable housing and would be
prepared to put forward land at below the market value.
Preferred buyers were housing associations or community trusts,
while local government and authorities were least favoured.
Rics spokesperson James Rowlands says the survey should prompt
tighter planning controls to ensure land goes where it is most
needed.
He adds: "Guarantees must be put in place by government to ensure
that the generosity of landowners benefits young people, farm
workers and other groups who are struggling to afford to live in
rural areas."
Research by property analysts Hometrack found 28 per cent of young
people in work in the UK are currently unable to afford even their
cheapest local properties.
