An investigation into the public’s attitudes on second home ownership in rural communities looking specifically at the North West of England.

Abstract

In 2011 the Cumbria Housing Executive Group produced a report which aimed to solve housing stock problems and develop a long term plan for Cumbria’s housing stock rejuvenation and availability. This plan The Cumbria Housing Strategy and Investment Plan 2011 – 2015 was published in October 2011 (Cumbria Housing Group, 2011). Within this plan there were a number of objectives including support for housing market renewal and more solid tenancy strategies. But one aim in particular is the basis for further in depth research which this study aims to explore. The 2011-2015 plans stated “we want mechanisms established to ensure that second homes/holiday homes do not form more than 20% of the local housing stock.” (Cumbria Housing Group, 2011. p5) It is believed that if there is more than 20% of a rural communities housing stock as second homes then it could lead to economic, social and cultural problems within the community.
Primary data was collected from a chosen village which is located within the above strategies boundaries. This data was collected by means of a door to door survey of every house within the village and also three interviews. (see appendix 6.0 and 7.0) The conclusions drawn from both the questionnaires and the in-depth interviews showed that in general the locals had no outright objection to second home owners living in the village but they did feel that there was a problem with lack of affordable housing which is a result of increased second home ownership. Local residents generally believed that second home owners should be charged extra for owning a second home in a bid to try and out price them which in turn would hopefully free up some of the housing market for locals and first time buyers. The research also suggested that the second home owners were against rural development, especially if it was for lower cost housing as they believed it was not in keeping and could attract the “lower classes”. It might also affect the value of homes of existing residents and second home owners.