News

March 28 2025 New funding for Community-led homes initiatives

The Government has just announced significant funding – to the Community Sector – to build social homes. 

The money will be released to Resonance Community Developers, which is a social investment company, to extend their current remit.

https://resonance.ltd.uk/news/news/government-backs-resonance-community-led-housing-initiative-with-20m-investment

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Zoopla Rental Market Report: March 2025

Key takeaways
Annual rent inflation for new lets is running at its lowest level for 3.5 years

Rents have increase by 3% over the last year, down from 7.4% a year ago

The supply and demand balance is narrowing, with 11% more homes available for rent, while rental demand is now 17% lower than it was a year ago

12 renters are currently chasing each home for rent. This is down 42% on 2022-24 levels but still higher than pre-pandemic levels

Affordability is a growing constraint on rent rises, with the annual cost of UK rents increasing by £3,000-a-year to £15,400 on average

The rental market needs more supply, but rental reforms and other proposed policy changes will limit new investment and supply growth

UK rents are expected to increase by 3-4% over 2025

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MEDIA RELEASE – JULY 2024
Much more affordable housing needed around Settle say residents
A community survey organised by the Craven Community Land Trust (CLT) has shown that there needs to be more affordable housing in and around Settle to enable local people to remain close to work and families.
The survey, which was supported by Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, and involved delivering forms to every household in Settle, Giggleswick, Langcliffe and Stainforth, gave people the chance to have their say on a crucial issue for local communities, especially those containing an increasingly high number of Airbnb lettings, and second homes.
The impact of insufficient affordable homes has been widely acknowledged, with average house prices in Craven rising once again in 2023 to £281,000 – up nearly 9% in just a year. It is a similar story with private rents, but by comparison, wages remain well below the national average.
The survey showed that 51 more affordable homes are currently needed; mostly for local people to have somewhere they can afford to live permanently, or for those wanting to return to the area for work or to be close to family.
“Rural areas in North Yorkshire are experiencing a housing crisis. With so many people unable to afford to buy their own home, a supply of genuinely affordable rental accommodation is essential,” said Lynn Northrop, Chair of Craven CLT. “Because there are not enough affordable homes, there are not sufficient people to fill the local job vacancies in this important area for tourism.”
“We have also seen that there is support for more affordable housing from others in the community who understand its importance in supporting local families and businesses. One person commented: “More affordable homes would enable working families to stay in the community – accessing schools, taking part in the community and spending more locally.” We will be using this important information to underpin our efforts to bring more homes to the area which local people can afford”, said Lynn.
Craven CLT was set up to provide affordable rented homes for individuals and couples living and working in the Craven area. All properties owned by the Trust will be held in perpetuity, securing affordable rental housing for every occupier.
The Trust looks forward to working with North Yorkshire Council’s Housing Team, local community groups and organisations, in its role of protecting services and keeping them in community ownership.

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