Rogerson demands government action as North Cornwall tops unaffordable housing league
As North Cornwall tops HBOS league for the most unaffordable homes in the UK, Dan Rogerson, local MP and Liberal Democrat housing spokesman, has demanded that the Government take urgent action to prevent first time buyers being priced out of the market.
According to the latest Halifax Rural House Price Index, North Cornwall has a house price to earnings ration of ten to one, putting mortgages housing far out of range of most local people.
The survey show that house prices in rural areas have increased by 89% in the last five years, and rural areas are suffering most. Six out of the top ten least affordable regions were in the South West.
Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall and Liberal Democrat Housing spokesman, said:
"It's time the government woke up to the reality of what it going on in rural areas.
In areas like North Cornwall, second homes are swamping the local housing market and acting as a barrier to first time buyers.
The Halifax survey clearly indicates the relationship between second home ownership and spiralling house-prices in rural areas. The two most unaffordable regions – North Cornwall and South Hams – are also the two with the most second homes.
I will be pressing the housing minister, Yvette Cooper, to consider requiring homeowners to get planning permission before turning yet another full-time home over to the holiday-makers.
