Swindon is faced with rising house prices, according to the National Housing Federation’s (NHF) Home Truths 2017/18 report, issued 21st March, meaning an affordable home is still out of reach for many.
The annual report issued by the National Housing Federation details local data on the housing market in areas across the South West, and reveals that the average house price in Swindon is now £226,087 (up from £205,925 in 2016/17). This means that house prices are currently 8 times the average salary of those living in the town.
Rents in the area are on the rise too, with the average monthly rent in Swindon now £699 (compared to £672 in 2016/17), which represents approximately 32% of people’s monthly average income.
Howard Toplis, GreenSquare’s chief executive, said: “With an increasing shortfall of available affordable homes in the area, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for people to afford to rent their own home, let alone buy one.
“As one of the largest social housing landlords in Swindon and Wiltshire, we firmly believe that everyone deserves the right to live in a home they can afford and that suits their needs.”
Housing associations, like GreenSquare, have been working to try and alleviate the housing crisis. Last year in the South West, housing associations built over 4,200 homes and started building a further 4,100.
Howard added: “Through our development arm GreenSquare Homes, we have plans to build new homes for sale, shared ownership and rent across the area, to help people to get onto the housing ladder.”
GreenSquare Homes is currently on site in Blunsdon on the outskirts of Swindon at its ‘Blunsdon Meadow’ development of 52 new homes for sale and shared ownership.
To view the full Home Truths report, click here. To find out more about Blunsdon Meadow, visit www.greensquarehomes.com.
