Housing Survey April 2016

Summary (1)  Strong support for the provision of affordable housing and starter homes  High level of home ownership—526 out of the 675 who responded  33 need a home provided by a housing association  Nearly 100 households wanting to move to Watlington in the next 5 years, mainly to be near family  Two and three bedroom semi-detached most favoured category  36 respondents want to stay in Watlington to move to their first starter home  Those looking for a different home in Watlington want 2/3 bedrooms  Watlington is a stable community where people stay for many years  Around 20% of households thinking about downsizing

Summary (2)  Around 25% of people needing a new home need a bigger home  84 people are interested in building their own home  84 people are considering building an extension to their home  Only 19 have left Watlington in the last five years through a lack of suitable or affordable housing  Small but significant number of respondents are looking for low cost homes—either pre-fabricated construction or permanent mobile homes  36 respondents want to stay in Watlington to move to their first starter home  Bungalows were a popular choice  Also sheltered housing and homes with care support

Added Comments  Most frequently mentioned was the need for cheaper housing  Respondents are concerned about the impact of more housing on existing roads and infrastructure  Concerns about parking were specifically raised by 23 people  11 respondents stated the needed for a good mix of housing  11 respondents stated a preference for housing on small sites rather than large estates

Initial Thoughts Top priority is a mix of housing to sustain a well balanced community with the mix to include bungalows, flats and small living spaces More affordable, housing association homes and low cost homes More homes suitable for older members of the community in the style of Orchard Walk and Old School Place Local people would like to be able to stay in Watlington when they wish to upsize or downsize More housing is needed to ensure that the communities within the Parish do thrive House prices are being pushed up by people moving from London The buy to let market is contributing to pricing local people out of the market

Housing Survey Summary 1250 surveys were sent out and there was a response of 675.This is an excellent response rate. Your Household – key figures:  78% are homeowners  42% live in semi-detached houses  22% are interested in downsizing  13% are interested in self build Top 3 types of accommodation respondents think Watlington requires:  Affordable housing 65%  Semi-detached houses 51%  Starter homes (government) 47%

Housing Survey Summary Top 3 types of supported accommodation respondents think Watlington requires:  Independent accommodation with care support 57%  Housing Association Sheltered Housing 47%  Private Sheltered Housing 37% Top 3 types of tenure respondents think Watlington needs:  Owner occupation 64%  Shared Ownership 61%  Affordable rent through Housing Association 60%

Does your household / or part of household need a new home in Watlington?  9% of whole households wish to move in the next 5yrs  16% of whole households wish to move in the next 5yrs but cannot  8% of partial households wish to move in the next 5 yrs  12% of partial households wish to move in the next 5yrs but cannot Top 3 reasons preventing households from moving:  Unable to afford new home (59%)  Lack of suitable housing (47%)  Lack of affordable private rented properties (21%)

New Home Requirements Top 3 reasons for needing a new home:  Need bigger home (34%)  Want to start first home (27%)  Other (17%) Top 3 types of homes needed  Semi-detached (56%)  Detached (52%)  Terraced (34%) 13% of respondents have mobility or other care/support needs