BSHF | Affordable Housing: The key to sustainable rural housing

Average house prices in 53 rural areas are now more than ten times the average salary and living in rural areas is rapidly becoming an option available only to the wealthy. The number of second homes continues to increase, while affordable homes to rent or buy are increasingly scarce. For local households on lower incomes this means overcrowding, homelessness or having to leave their roots and move away. Local services and facilities are in decline and this is felt most keenly by those who have no option but to rely on them. Economic activity is considered intrusive and inappropriate in the rural idyll.