Market Research Record – The tranquil beauty of rural living can often veil the harsh reality of housing problems in the countryside. Once upon a time, rural housing came as part of the job package. This arrangement, called tied housing, was prevalent among jobs such as mining, forestry, and building, and was a practical solution to the housing shortages in rural areas. Unfortunately, it also meant that loss of employment often resulted in loss of the home. This precarious arrangement, though sometimes idyllic, was far from secure.
Tied housing allowed industries to set up self-sufficient communities with schools, hospitals, and social amenities, thereby reducing feelings of isolation. However, in present times, rural housing scarcity has become acute again, and there is a pressing need to revisit this model or develop innovative solutions to rural housing.
Countryside communities have seen a significant decline as more houses become second homes or Airbnb rentals, which, ironically, are contributing to the disappearance of the very charm that attracted tourists and homeowners in the first place. Between 2012 and 2017, the closure rate of primary schools and post offices in rural England was one per month, and between 2013 and 2016, a rural pub was closing every day.
We can’t overlook the necessity of tourists, Airbnb rentals, and even second homeowners who inject vital economic lifeblood into these areas. Still, it’s critical to ensure permanent and affordable housing for the locals. Some recent initiatives reflect a nod towards tied housing. For instance, Inverness has seen a care home operator building affordable homes for staff, and in Aviemore, local businesses are sponsoring affordable new builds for their employees.
Moreover, the Lake District National Park Authority has local occupancy clauses restricting homes to those with a pre-established connection to the area. In Wales, local councils can impose a 300% council tax premium on second homes. Could we go a step further and take a cue from Guernsey, which, since the 1950s, has maintained two separate property markets to protect locals?
While tied housing came with its share of challenges, it also provided an immersive rural experience that instilled a sense of belonging and responsibility towards the environment. As we strive to address the rural housing crisis, we must aim to provide more people with the opportunity to call these beautiful rural landscapes home, thereby promoting their preservation and sustainability.
This piece, combining historical context with current trends, aims to spotlight the pressing issue of rural housing scarcity. As we look back at older models like tied housing and forward to innovative solutions, our objective remains clear: affordable, secure housing for rural dwellers that fosters a sense of community and protects the idyllic charm of the countryside.