Housing The ticking housing time bomb and investing in new homes
ViewsApril 3rd, 2024
New research illustrates the severe shortage of rental properties for low-income households in Wales
As the cost of living continues to skyrocket, Wales’ most influential think-tank, the Bevan Foundation, has revealed the scale of the challenge faced by low-income households trying to find a home in the private rental sector.
New research by the Bevan Foundation has found a severe shortage of properties available at Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates. The LHA determines how much assistance a low-income household living in the private rental sector can receive towards their rent through the benefits system, and has been frozen since 2020. Data was collected from 1,017 rental adverts across Wales on August 1. The key findings of the research are:
- Only 60 properties advertised across Wales were available at LHA rates
- This equates to just 5.9% of the market.
- Seven local authorities did not have a single property available at LHA rate
- When properties will excessive landlord requirements are discounted, the amount of houses available at LHA rates drops to just 4%
In addition to providing an update on the latest market data this briefing also summarises some of the key concerns shared by local authority members and officers over the course of the summer. It is clear that the system is under significant stress.
Pages: 17
Format: PDF
Language: English
Cost: Free
