'Desperate' for cheaper housing

Carl Yapp BBC news website

David Power wants to see more council houses built

Residents in the picturesque seaside village of Llanrhystud in Ceredigion gave their impressions of the rural housing problem.

Carer David Power, 50, said he was renting a privately-owned home because he could not afford a mortgage.

"I'm renting because I can't afford to buy," he said.

"There's not enough council housing for people like me. I've applied..but the list is long because the people on it are in the same position as me.

"They can't afford a mortgage either."

The village is nine miles south of Aberystwyth and Mr Power said prices were as high as �200,000.

"Who can afford that? Rent can be anything up to �650 per month or more. Things are pretty tough at the moment."

Mr Power added: "I think the only solution is to build council houses. People should have a right to buy, but what happens when house prices and other costs become too high?"

If professional people can't afford mortgages then how can a person on an average wage be expected to? Colin Evans

Bus driver Colin Evans, 43, and his hospital office manager partner Bethan Williams, 34, have a mortgage on a property they bought a couple of years ago in Llanrhystud.

"Costs are going up and I can't see how first time buyers are going to get on the property ladder," said Ms Williams.

"We desperately need affordable housing for people and especially for those who were born and bred in this area and want to stay here."

Mr Evans said: "Even professional people who are earning high wages, like doctors, can't afford mortgages.

"I have a property in Aberystwyth which I rent to a doctor who is in that position. If professional people can't afford mortgages then how can a person on an average wage be expected to?"

Mr Evans said a possible solution to the housing problem would be to form self-build co-operatives, which would encourage people to work together to construct their homes.

Aberystwyth estate agent Aled Ellis said it had been difficult for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder for about five years.

He explained the situation was getting worse because of the current financial climate.

Mr Ellis said his company rarely sold a property for less than �150,000 in Aberystwyth and the surrounding areas.

"It's been a problem for first time buyers four or five years, but it's very difficult now for them to get on the property ladder unless they can put down a hefty deposit," said Mr Ellis.

"With the cost of living increasing people are finding it hard to even save for a deposit, though."

He added: "In Ceredigion planning rules allow for an element of affordable housing when five dwellings or more are built."

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