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Second Homes: Coastal Areas

Volume 461: debated on Wednesday 6 June 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of the impact of second home ownership on the availability of affordable housing in coastal towns. (139684)

The Government have not made an assessment of the impact of second homes ownership on the availability of affordable housing in coastal towns.

Multiple home ownership does not contribute significantly to house price inflation nationally, accounting for just 1 per cent. of the housing stock. However, in some highly localised areas, including some coastal towns, much higher levels of multiple home ownership are prevalent.

When planning for the provision of affordable housing, local planning authorities should aim to ensure that provision meets the needs of both current and future occupiers, taking into account information from a strategic housing market assessment.