| Real Time ?Monopoly? |
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| Written by Site Admin | |||||
| Wednesday, 25 April 2007 | |||||
Page 1 of 3 The Affordable Housing DebateIs there a solution to our ongoing housing problem? In what has become a never ending house price boom it is becoming one of the main social problems affecting so many today. In short, as housing prices increase along with land costs it is putting a great deal of pressure on the demand for property old and new. The reality of course is not a direct correlation with income, making even renting an unaffordable option for many. People then have to work longer hours, have more than one or even two jobs and to cap it all, a much reduced standard of living due to a distinct lack of disposable income. Of equal importance, quality time to spend with family and friends is also at a premium. So this knock on effect can make for misery, isolation and never ending debt sometimes, passing to the next generation with some of the newer ‘breeds’ of mortgage. So who wins in this real life monopoly game? Well all those who stand to profit, from the developers to agents and all those associated with the next move on the property ladder. The losers are the many families, usually those starting off on the ladder. The big question is, what is the solution and where do we start? Private housing associations are part of the way there to making housing realistic for many. But in truth aren’t halting the problem given the scale. While communal housing developments are another option theydon’t appeal to everyone. These have evolved in recent years and offer all the benefits off shared ownership with the space to live independently. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 19 July 2007 ) | |||||
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