Affordable rural homes: a pathway to revitalising our countryside

Rural England is in crisis. The shortage of affordable homes threatens not only housing but also the health, wellbeing, and sustainability of our countryside. We must act now to preserve the essence of rural England and ensure our communities thrive.

Skyrocketing property prices and a lack of affordable homes have driven young people, families, and essential workers out of the countryside, creating an environment of decline where services falter, schools close, and skills and labour become scarce.

Ensuring everyone in rural England can access a decent, affordable home is a shared responsibility. It is about securing the future of our communities, so rural England can thrive for generations.

A crisis in numbers, a crisis in lives

In rural areas, only 9% of homes are classified as affordable—less than half the rate in urban settings. With the average rural home costing £418,400, the affordability gap is insurmountable for many. In some areas, house prices are up to 23 times the average earnings.

This shortage of somewhere affordable to live is devastating rural communities and holding back social and economic opportunity.

The crisis has had a particular impact on young people and families, shifting the rural demographic to increasingly comprise older, richer and less economically active households. The vibrant mix of people—young and old, from different backgrounds and professions—that once sustained village life is disappearing, weakening community cohesion and holding back economic opportunities including delivering greater food and energy security.

The root causes of the crisis

Several factors converge to create the rural housing crisis. Land availability is limited; while planning regulations preserve our countryside, they also restrict new homes. Balancing the need to protect our landscapes with the need for housing is crucial.

Local resistance to new developments, driven by fears of overwhelmed infrastructure or changes to traditional character, also creates barriers. These concerns, while understandable, overlook the positive impact well-designed, affordable and sustainable homes can have.

Building in rural areas is more expensive than in urban settings due to logistical challenges and a lack of economy of scale. Government intervention that recognises this challenge is essential if more viable opportunities to build affordable homes are to happen.

Revitalising rural communities through affordable housing

While these challenges may seem daunting, addressing them through the provision of affordable rural homes offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond housing itself. By tackling the root causes head-on, we can create a ripple effect of positive change throughout rural communities.

Affordable rural homes are essential for boosting local economies and supporting broader societal goals. By allowing people to live and work in their communities, these homes sustain rural businesses and services like schools and social care. Research shows that just 10 new affordable homes can generate £1.4 million for the local economy and support 26 jobs. Moreover, construction and maintenance projects create local employment opportunities, and benefit small- and medium-sized contractors. The homes provided also secure a resilient local workforce which is crucial for national agricultural and environmental aims, such as making Britain a clean energy superpower.

Affordable homes also help maintain social cohesion by allowing people to stay in their communities, preserving connections that contribute to health and wellbeing. This reduces demand on the NHS and enables opportunity for greater levels of skill training and education.

Housing is foundational to opportunity. By providing affordable homes, we aid low-income and essential households to remain in rural areas despite high property values. Mixed communities, with homes for different ages and income levels, further contribute to breaking down barriers to opportunity and fostering inclusivity.

Affordable homes are also vital for building an NHS fit for the future. Key workers, such as nurses and care staff, need to live in the communities they serve. Quality housing is a key social determinant of health, providing the stability crucial for healthy living. Many developments include accessible homes for older people or those with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can live in a safe and supportive environment. Low rents also provide for greater financial security.

The role of rural housing associations

Rural housing associations provide hope amidst this crisis. Their work exemplifies how community-driven solutions can tackle local housing issues effectively. Consider Carpenter's Yard in Shepherdswell, Kent, developed by English Rural. This modest project of 13 homes—10 of which are affordable—has made a significant impact on the community. Maria, a resident, speaks of the difference her new home has made: "This home has given me financial relief and allowed me to stay in the community I love."

Maria's story is one of many. Rural housing associations work closely with local authorities, landowners, and communities to deliver housing that serves local needs, helping keep communities together. They work most effectively when supported by Rural Housing Enablers, whose funding insecurity has consistently held back their essential work.

Building the future of rural life

Addressing the rural housing crisis is about more than housing. It is about giving everyone a future, empowering young people and families to achieve their potential, ensuring older residents can access care, and fuelling the economic potential of rural England so that the countryside can thrive. By tackling this issue, we can support broader goals: creating safer, more connected communities; enabling healthcare services to retain crucial workers; breaking down barriers to opportunity; stimulating economic growth; and achieving clean energy targets.

The time for action is now. Rural communities have waited too long, and the consequences of inaction grow clearer each day. We have a unique opportunity to rebuild the foundations of rural life—to create a countryside that works for everyone, regardless of income.

The future of our countryside depends on the choices we make today—let's choose wisely and act boldly.