It is clear that there is strong demand for new housing and that finding a way of meeting this demand is a key priority for the Government. It is equally clear that there is a significant ongoing shortfall in supply – particularly in respect of social affordable housing.
A large number of Councils and substantial numbers of people on their housing waiting lists and that, even where they have their own housebuilding companies, they have not been able to reduce the length of these lists year on year. For example, Salford Council has 5,876 people waiting for affordable, social and bespoke accommodation.
The latest data regarding housing completions across the Salford district reveal 1,496 net additional homes were delivered in 2017/18, yet only 241 were affordable. Recent modelling suggested an affordable housing need of 600 dwellings per annum, compared to the 300 currently being delivered.
Our research into the market indicates that the current participants are either not willing or able to make up the shortfall.
