Lack of Affordable Housing in the UK
Affordable housing, or indeed the lack of it, is a huge problem in the UK and the people who lose out the most are would-be first-time buyers. At one time it was widely accepted that a young couple in their early twenties could buy a property and settle down. That is no longer the case. Extortionate house prices mean first-time buyers are struggling to get onto the property ladder and are renting for much longer than they used to.
Why are First-Time Buyers Losing Out?
A recent survey published by the Halifax found the average age of a first time buyer is 34 years old. In other words, graduates can not afford to get onto the property ladder until more than 10 years after they graduate.
Of course this statistic is also affected by the different lifestyles people have now. Settling down at 21 is no longer a high priority. Indeed, many young people choose not to buy a property in their twenties and to instead enjoy the freedom of renting. Graduates and people in their twenties now have different priorities than in the past and renting is often a more viable options. Renting provides more freedom and flexibility which is often an attractive offer to a young graduate.
That said there is no denying the increase in property prices over the years gas put paid to many peoples hopes of buying a home and means if young people do want to get on the property ladder they either need a lot of help from family and friends or they have to wait and save.
Who is benefiting from the lack of affordable housing?
While first-time buyers are struggling, another group is profiting from the lack of affordable properties – landlords. While first-time buyers are unable to buy a property they are forced to continue renting and buy-to-let landlords are making the profit.
Often any affordable housing that does exist is found in less desirable areas. You’re unlikely to find a two bedroom apartment in the centre of London at an “affordable” price. This is also something that benefits landlords. First-time buyers, especially young first-time buyers with no children, would often prefer to rent in a good location than buy the only affordable housing there is in a poor location.
The Vicious Circle
It becomes vicious circle because if a tenant is paying out rent each month – which is some areas of the UK can be very expensive – they are unable to save any money to put towards a deposit on a property and so cannot get out of rented accommodation and onto the property ladder.
Buy-to-let landlords are not to blame though. Indeed for those who choose not to buy they are beneficial. But until something is done about the lack of affordable housing for first-time buyers it is the landlords alone who will earn money and make a profit while would-be first-time buyers are left shelling out money for rent each month that could be going towards a mortgage.
Re: How Do You Apply for the Government Schemes?
Hello I work for the local Council and in my job I work with children with disabilities, I am SEN…
Re: What Are My Responsibilities Under Shared Ownership
Own a quarter of a joint ownership house. All the windows are rotten and the door cannot afford to…
Re: Low Income Housing
Hi there. I m a single dad with 1 child age 15, and we are both staying at a friend's home has we are homeless. I need a 2 bedroom house /flat…
Re: Are You Classed as a Key Worker?
I am a nursery nurse Please do I qualify for a key persons right to apply for housing
Re: Low Income Housing
Dear Sir Madam, I am writing to ask if you can find me a house with three bedrooms, two toilets and a living room to rent with or without…
Re: What Are My Responsibilities Under Shared Ownership
I live in shared ownership flat, my front door isnt locking , I take it this comes under buildings…
Re: What Are My Responsibilities Under Shared Ownership
I have a shared ownership house which is 7years old , it was 18 months old when we moved in buying a…
Re: The Right to Acquire Scheme
I live in a bungalow age 84. Currently I was told by council right to buy refused due to the property is suitable for elderly…
Re: What Are My Responsibilities Under Shared Ownership
Hi buying shared ownership when viewed flat toilet smashed needs new one carpets torn and ruined is…
Re: The Right to Acquire Scheme
I apply for With Right to Buy you would have needed to have been living in the current property before 1989 and a secure tenant.…