Credit: Bury Times
Addressing Overcrowding: Insights from Bury’s Housing Landscape
Cardwells Estate Agents sheds light on the concerning prevalence of overcrowded homes in Bury, as revealed by the 2021 census data. With 3,080 households classified as overcrowded, accounting for 3.8 percent of the total, managing director Andrew Cardwell underscores the underlying factors contributing to this issue. He emphasises the critical shortage of affordable housing options, exacerbating the challenges faced by families in securing suitable and affordable accommodations. Highlighting national statistics from the National Housing Federation (NHF), Cardwell underscores the broader implications of overcrowding on families, particularly children, and underscores the imperative for robust initiatives to address this pressing housing concern.
Perspectives from Cardwells Estate Agents
In dissecting the census findings, Cardwells Estate Agents draws attention to the stark juxtaposition evident in Bury’s housing landscape. While a substantial 71.1 percent of properties are deemed “under-occupied,” indicating surplus rooms, the prevalence of overcrowded homes paints a contrasting picture of living conditions for many residents. Cardwell delves into policy interventions such as the contentious “Bedroom Tax,” aimed at incentivising downsizing among social housing tenants. Moreover, he elucidates on the impact of tax reforms within the private rental sector, which have prompted some landlords to divest from the market, further constraining housing supply. As the data highlights the disproportionate impact on social renters, particularly those with dependent children, Cardwells Estate Agents underscores the urgency for comprehensive strategies to mitigate overcrowding and enhance housing affordability.
