Report highlights Kent housing shortage

The lack of affordable housing in Kent, might prompt many to consider finding a flat or house to let instead.

Figures published in the government's 'Housing the Nation' report confirms that the region will 'miss out' on thousands of new homes after targets were cut, according to yoursevenoaks.co.uk.

The South East plan, launched under the previous Labour government, set out house building targets for Kent of 654,000 new homes by 2026. This plan, however, was ditched by the new coalition and control given to local district councils. Three councils immediately cut their targets, causing worries about the impact on the local housing market.

The report recommended the release of green belt land, on which new houses could be built. This has naturally prompted criticism from campaigners, who believe that inhabiting empty houses is key in meeting demand. Consequently, it could be a good time for homeowners to let their property; demand looks likely to increase.

A spokesman for campaign group, Protect Kent, told kentnews.com: "We feel that in order to improve the housing situation, projects such as the 'no use empty' one in which buildings are brought back to market are far more effective at combating a housing shortage.

"We believe the idea put forward to release greenbelt land is disgraceful." 

Posted 16-07-2012
Author: Elizabeth Smythe