Warrington, a town in the north west of England, is facing significant challenges in its housing market according to a recent report prepared by the Warrington Borough Council. The report, which will be discussed at the upcoming Housing Policy Committee meeting, highlights the town’s struggle in providing affordable open market homes to its residents.
### Housing Background in Warrington
The report sheds light on the housing demands in Warrington, a town with a resident population of 210,900 as per the 2021 Census, spread across 90,540 households. One of the key challenges identified in the report is the need to deliver more affordable open market homes in the town. Warrington ranks as the third most expensive area in the north west when it comes to buying a new property, making it increasingly difficult for residents to find affordable housing options.
The demographic breakdown of the town reveals that nearly one in five residents are aged over 65, with this proportion expected to grow to over a quarter of the population in the coming years. On the other hand, the 35 to 49 age group is declining, leading to an increase in the median age of the borough’s population, which now stands at 42 compared to 40 in 2011.
Approximately eight per cent of Warrington’s population is registered with a serious disability, highlighting the need for accessible housing options in the town. The majority of residents, around 70 per cent, either own their own home or have a mortgage, while 15 per cent live in social rented accommodation. The private rented sector is also on the rise in Warrington, with 15.2 per cent of residents now residing in this sector, up from 11.2 per cent in 2011.
### Affordability Challenges
Despite being considered ‘mid-table’ for affordability in the national context, Warrington faces significant affordability challenges when it comes to housing. The average house in the borough costs 6.9 times the average household income, compared to the national average of 8.1. However, affordability has decreased over the past two decades, with house prices increasing more than 4.5 times while earnings have only doubled on average.
The report estimates that 43 per cent of newly forming households in Warrington cannot reasonably afford to purchase or rent a property, with young people and single women facing even higher affordability barriers. Moreover, the average cost of new properties in the borough has risen significantly, making Warrington the third most expensive area in the north west to buy a new home, with an average asking price of £427,000.
### Solutions for Affordable Housing
The report underscores the importance of ensuring the delivery of more affordable open market homes in Warrington to meet the growing local needs, particularly among young people and newly forming households. Despite being perceived as a key commuter location, the town must address the imbalance in its housing market, which currently focuses on executive homes catering to the affluent commuter market rather than meeting the more modest local needs.
One of the key challenges facing Warrington is the rising cost of new starter homes, which have increased by nearly 40 per cent over the past five years. To address this issue, the town needs to diversify its housing supply and prioritize the development of affordable housing options that cater to a wider range of residents. By focusing on affordability and inclusivity, Warrington can create a more sustainable and equitable housing market for its residents.
In conclusion, the housing challenges facing Warrington are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive approach to address affordability issues and meet the diverse needs of its residents. By implementing targeted solutions and prioritizing affordable housing initiatives, Warrington can ensure a more inclusive and sustainable housing market for all its residents.