Rising demand for affordable rural homes

Leading rural housing provider Hastoe Group highlights the increasing demand for affordable homes in the countryside. According to research carried out on behalf of the National Housing Federation, 65% of people living in rural England believe local families and young people are being priced out of villages and market towns.

The report also highlights residential property prices in rural England have more than doubled during the past decade to an average of £256,698 but the average salary for those working in the countryside has risen to just £21,000. Understanding the difficulties of finding affordable properties in rural areas where salaries are not in line with the national average, Hastoe Group is working hard to continue to provide homes across the country for those earning salaries from £12,500 a year.

Mellissa Toomey, Head of Marketing and Communications at Hastoe Group comments: “It is essential that we continue to provide more affordable housing for those living in rural areas. Demand is high, especially in places like Glastonbury and Newmarket where our affordable developments have proved particularly popular with first time buyers and young families who want to remain in the areas in which they grew up. Without local families to enrich these neighbourhoods, communities will suffer.”

With a wide portfolio of affordable properties in rural areas across the country, Hastoe Group is continuing to support the housing needs of small communities. In Suffolk, properties are currently available in Wenhaston and Framlingham. In Wenhaston, there are two 2 bedroom houses with prices from just £58,000 for a 40% share. Each property benefits from a fitted kitchen, private parking space, rear garden, energy efficient lighting and low cost eco heating. Similar properties can also be found in Framlingham from just £43,500 for a 30% share.

In Newmarket, a collection of one bedroom maisonettes are available from just £46,500 for a 30% share. Each property is designed over two floors with a spacious open plan living area which leads through to the fitted kitchen and dining room. A three-piece bathroom suite and store-room complete the downstairs accommodation, while upstairs there is a spacious bedroom.

While for those earning £12,500 a year, Hastoe is offering a collection of new apartments in Stevenage from as little as £35,100 for a 30% share based on a full market value of £117,000.