The Sale of Council Houses Some Empirical Evidence

Abstract

The pattern of council house sales in one housing authority, the City of Aberdeen, was monitored over a two year period since the `Right to Buy' legislation came into force . The pattern of sales was variable, both spatially and between house types. Semi-detached and terraced properties sold at a greater rate than flatted properties, and estates with higher socio-economic status and a higher popularity rating experienced a greater level of sales . This suggests that over the medium to long term, a continued policy of unrestricted sales will have a deleterious effect on the desirability of the remaining public sector stock and will increase the pressures towards a residualisation of public sector housing .

‘Reaching the Parts Other Grants Don't Go?’ Supporting Self-provided Housing in Rural Scotland

“…(Scotland) Act (1980) severely reduced provision, with sales in rural areas depleting stocks by an average of 30 per cent across England and Scotland. Analyses of sales data show that sales have been highest in more accessible villages (Chaney & Sherwood, 2000), in areas of higher demand (Sewel et al, 1984), and in larger properties, particularly houses (Pawson et al, 2002). 2 The role of the voluntary sector, comprising housing associations and, more recently, other registered social landlords, in new supply has increased significantly over the last two decades, partly the result in some areas of stock transfers from local authority housing.…”

Importing a policy problem? Affordable housing in Britain's National Parks

“…(Scotland) Act (1980) has severely reduced provision, with sales in rural areas depleting stocks by an average of 30% across England and Scotland. Analyses of sales data show that sales have been highest in more accessible villages (Chaney & Sherwood, 2000), in areas of higher demand (Sewel et al, 1984), and in the larger properties, particularly houses (Pawson et al, 2002). Whilst sale prices have, on average, been 25% lower than equivalent second-hand housing (Pawson et al, 1997), making them more affordable, they still remain out of reach of many rural households, particularly those searching for social rented accommodation.…”

Privatization and Housing under Thatcher

“…For example, the dwellings with the largest gardens or those on the edges of estates near private developments invariably were among the first to be sold. Over the years, a number of studies have highlighted the essential asset-stripping nature of council house sales (Forrest & Murie, 1976, 1988Sewel, Twine & Williams, 1984;Beesley et al, 1980). In summary, those tenants who purchased their dwellings tended to be relatively affluent, living in the most desirable dwellings, in the more desirable areas, and at a particular stage in the family cycle, namely at a point where either children are contributing to the household income or have left home.…”