This is how many affordable new homes are needed a year in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Some areas need more homes than others, however
by Anthony Lewis · Wales OnlineA total of 745 extra units of affordable housing are said to be needed per year in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The council’s local housing market assessment for 2023-2028, also shows that the need for one bedroom properties is higher than that of all other size properties with 409 units required per year.
The assessment revealed clear differences in the housing market across the county borough with the south west Taf area having the highest net need for affordable housing with 115 units per year.. Price to income ratios are also far greater across Taf, meaning affordability is more of a significant issue there. To get the latest Pontypridd news straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
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Whilst other areas of the county borough have a lower demand, there is evidence of housing market “hotspots” in these other areas of RCT. The report said: “It is important to emphasise that this headline data should not be considered an annual delivery target or even the solution to the affordability issues within the county borough.
“It instead indicates the level of housing need within RCT, which the council will seek to address through a range of market interventions as far as practically possible. The housing need identified within the assessment is best viewed at housing market areas to ensure the needs of different types of housing in different markets are fully understood.”
It added that the figure of 745 was based on the council meeting all unmet need and forecasted additional need over a five year period as set out by the Welsh Government. The term “unmet” need relates to people currently on the common housing register waiting list and people who are registered on the Homestep mailing list.