Affordable rural housing

Launched in June 2003 by the Prince of Wales, the Affordable Rural Housing Initiative encourages the private sector, including landowners, property owners, housebuilders, developers and lenders, to help in the provision of affordable homes in rural communities. 

Involvement includes

• providing land: using surplus or underused sites for new affordable housing developments
• making property available: converting or renovating empty or underused property for residential use
• enabling access to finance: investing in shared ownership schemes, housing bonds or community trusts
• ensuring high-quality developments: designing and building quality homes that suit the local community.

Benefits to businesses

• generating financial returns from investing in housing schemes
• opening up new markets, business opportunities, networks and contacts
• attracting and retaining employees
• gaining a competitive edge through innovation
• enhancing their reputation by demonstrating commitment to local communities.

The Initiative has produced a series of guides that provide business with examples of good practice and practical support. A further report, providing policy recommendations, was fed directly into the Government’s Affordable Rural Housing Commission in 2006.

The Initiative is also supported directly by His Grace The Duke of Westminster, the Commission for Rural Communities and the Housing Corporation.

Contact Chris Larson for more information