Shelter, a prominent charity which deals with housing and homelessness, has today issued a report, “How much of the housing market is affordable?”, which found that a first time buyer now cannot get onto the property ladder in over 80% of the country and that less than 10% of homes on the market are affordable for young families on low-to-middle incomes.In response, Emma Reynolds, Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East and Shadow Housing Minister, said:

“It’s really difficult for first time buyers to get on to the property ladder. Rising house prices are putting owning a home beyond the reach of first time buyers in over 80% of the country.

“The government has cut the budget for building affordable homes by 60% and is building the lowest number of new homes since the 1920s.

“They need to get their act together and start building the affordable homes our county needs, helping young families and creating much-needed jobs.”

October 2013