Council buys property to tackle housing crisis

As part of its Housing Action Plan, Cyngor Gwynedd is buying property to tackle the housing crisis and increase the people of Gwynedd's access to affordable homes. ​​​​​​​ 

 

Cyngor Gwynedd kicked off the scheme last year and as of January 2023, 8 properties have been purchased in communities throughout Gwynedd, including in areas where a high number of local residents find it hard to access affordable housing.   

 

The Council intends to let the houses on intermediate rent to individuals with a local connection in need of such housing. 

 

So far, the Council has purchased houses in Abersoch, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Llanbedr, Llanberis, Nefyn, Bangor and Pwlheli, with five other properties in the process of being bought.  

 

This scheme, which includes buying property directly from sellers and from the open market, came in response to the housing crisis. It forms part of the Housing Action Plan to ensure that the people of Gwynedd have access to suitable, high quality and affordable housing in their own communities.  

 

Over the next five years, the Council will consider buying property across Gwynedd which meet certain criteria, including meeting the needs of specific areas, value and condition of the property.  
 

A homeowner from Pen Llŷn, who’s selling directly to Cyngor Gwynedd said: “Firstly, I would like to say how pleased I am that the property is going to be used to house someone local. This community suffers from a lack of affordable rental housing and this is a great opportunity to ensure that the property goes to someone who really needs it.

 

“Also, this scheme means that the house will be used for the benefit of the community, instead of becoming a second home and worsening the housing situation in Pen Llŷn.
  
“It means that the property can help a family or an individual in the short term, and ensure that the community can continue to thrive into the future.”

 

Councillor Craig ab Iago, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, said: “It is a known fact by now that we are in a housing crisis. There is a serious shortage of affordable housing for local people and the list of people waiting for social housing continues to grow. The situation has become immoral.
 
“Through the Housing Action Plan, we are building more affordable houses, but this will take time. Buying private houses allows us to offer a solution now.  

 

“Not only are we helping people in need of a home, but we’re also offering another option for people who are worried about the future of their property when selling on the open market. This will keep the house in local hands, rather than becoming holiday accommodation or another Airbnb.”

 

This is part of the Council’s £77m Housing Action Plan, which includes over 30 projects and will provide quality homes for the people of the County over the next five years. 

 

Cyngor Gwynedd urges anyone in need of an affordable home to register with Tai Teg.