Image: House in Canterbury/JP
Rents are skyrocketing, property is scarce, and the council waiting list for social housing is one of the worst in Kent.
A Freedom of Information request showed that 2,940 families are presently on the Canterbury Council – Housing Needs Register, with wait times for social housing being anything from 19 to 36 months; the longest wait being 11 years.
Paul Wilkinson, Manager, at Canterbury Housing Advice Centre (CHAC), said: “The council only has a duty to house some people, and a priority is given to pregnant women, families with dependent children, and those with health issues.
“Many people are forced to rent privately, the whole thing is dysfunctional,” he said, saying: “There is no rent control, so landlords charge what they want based on a catalytic free market.”
Data from the 2023 CHAC report shows 59% of Canterbury households were unable to afford a rental price of £725 a month, with council housing stock diminished to 5,088 properties since the right-to-buy scheme started in the 90s.
Canterbury’s student population of 30,000 is also one of the largest in the country
Rental analysis shows a local one-bed unit at a median price of £700, a two-bed at £1,250, and a three-bed at £1,350.
Homelessness in Canterbury is also above the national average at 15.4 for every 1000 households, in contrast to 11.7. The main reasons are low, insecure wages, unaffordable housing, and eviction. (CHAC).
Jason King, Associate at Godwin Curtis Estate Agency, said: “When the interest rates go up on mortgages later this year, we could see a drop of 50% in the ‘Buy to Let’ market as property investors sell up.
“We can have up to 20 people wanting to view a property, and there are people coming from overseas to work in the hospital too, and there are not enough.”
Ben Fitter-Harding, Leader of the Council said: “The new council plan has a policy of 30% of all new houses built being affordable, and available to rent via a housing association at 80% of the market price.”
Canterbury’s student population of 30,000 is also one of the largest in the country, with high rents for purpose-built units which cost from £675 to £1,001 and help set the local market forces, as well as competing on accommodation with private landlords.
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