SWAY Housing Need

In 2013 an affordable housing survey was carried out in Sway, commissioned by the New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority, the aim was to assess the housing needs of people in Sway. The village has high property prices forcing younger people out and increasing the aging population.

The majority of houses in Sway are detached dwellings with 3 or more bedrooms; the percentage of detached houses is much higher than the UK average. There is a lack of 1 and 2 bedroom properties which means that is it difficult for certain demographics (single people, couples, small families, first time buyers and those on low incomes) to have access to appropriate properties. This lack of smaller housing is also an issue for those older people living in larger houses who wish to downsize, this may be the reason why 69% of people living in Sway have stayed in their homes for over 10 years. Though a stable community is positive, the lack of development and property turnover has negatively impacted upon other residents.

Over 445 people are known to have left the village due to there being no suitable housing in Sway. 83% of people in housing need are under the age of 44, if the shortage of smaller properties is not addressed then Sway may find that becomes an even more unbalanced community with the majority of people in the village being older. 78% of people over the age of 44 live in houses with 3 or more bedrooms, it can be assumed that a number of these people may want or need to downsize in the future. The lack of smaller properties means that this is not possible.

The data produced by the survey showed that there is a need for local people to have access to more housing in the village, in particular smaller and more affordable properties. Both younger and older residents in Sway could benefit most from developments in the village. Results also suggest that smaller developments in the village would be better received by the residents.

Reference:

Sway Parish Council (2013) Affordbale Housing Survey [doc] Available online: http://www.sway-parish-council.org.uk/id11.html [Accessed 17th Ocotber 2015]