THERE are more than 8,000 people on the waiting list for houses in Newport, while more than 1,200 homes sit empty - it has been revealed.

The majority of these are privately owned, but council figures also show there are 297 empty housing association homes in the city. 

City housing associations and estate agents have put the numbers down to a lack of finance, and refurbishments respectively.

But city councillor David Fouweather (Conservative) has called the numbers “abysmal” and said the council needs to “pull their socks up”.

In response, Cllr Jane Mudd has pointed out that the 8,078 people on waiting lists did not equal 8,078 people without a home.

“The council has a number of effective procedures aimed at tackling and alleviating homelessness and we work with a number of partners to make sure there is a joined-up approach to accessing accommodation and support,” she added.

The council has also said its empty homes strategy is under review.
Katie Darlow, sales director for Robert’s estate agents, said she was surprised by the amount of privately owned homes which are empty.

“Sometimes people don’t want to let go of a property after a death in the family, for example. But I’m shocked that there are that many in Newport when we have such a buoyant market right now,” she said.

But Bronwen O’Flaherty, director of Redlands Estate Agents in the city centre, said the number of empty properties in Newport didn’t surprise her.

“There are lots of reasons, but the majority will come down to a lack of finance. Also, properties that were previously rental properties are getting snapped up by first time buyers, and so are leaving the rental market.”

Housing association Newport City Homes told the Argus they currently have 80 empty homes out of their 10,000 home portfolio.

Head of housing services Sharon Wilkins explained that once a property has become vacant, refurbishment work is often needed. 

“The length of time a property is void depends on a number of factors, including finding the right person for the home, and the extent of any repairs and maintenance needed,” she added.

But Annette Palmer, administrator of Newport’s Baneswell Housing Association, said she was surprised by the number of empty housing association homes.

“If we have houses empty then it’s for a maximum of 12 weeks while we refurbish,” she said.

“But it’s actually really rare for us to have any empty houses, because they get snapped up so quickly. We have 70 properties in Newport, and one is empty.”

Charter Housing, a Newport housing association run by the Pobl group, said it had 71 empty houses in Newport. 

A spokesman added: “If a home is classed as empty it’s always for good reason, typically because it is being refurbished or repurposed for a different type of accommodation, or to meet the needs of tenants with specific needs.”