Tackling the rural housing challenge in England
Posted on 19th September 2025
Across rural England, finding an affordable home is becoming harder than ever. Too many families, young people and older residents are being priced out of the places they call home. As a result, villages and small towns are struggling to retain the services and people that keep them thriving.
That’s why, in July 2025, Longleigh Foundation launched a new affordable rural housing research with the University of Liverpool, Stonewater and the Fusion21 Foundation. The study looks at the barriers that prevent the building and protection of affordable homes. It also highlights the opportunities for housing associations, local authorities, and communities to deliver more homes.
The report explores:
- Pressures facing rural housing markets in England.
- Why affordable housing in rural areas is difficult to provide.
- Practical steps that could support sustainable rural housing for the future.
To bring all of this work together, we’ve launched a dedicated page: Unlocking affordable rural housing in England.
On the page you can find:
- The full rural housing report, published in July 2025
- Reflections from our CEO, Aileen Edmunds, on what the findings mean for Longleigh and our partners.
- A round-up of media stories and perspectives from across the housing sector.
This resource is designed as a one-stop place for housing providers, policymakers, funders, and community groups. It shows the challenges of delivering affordable homes in rural communities and the steps that could help.
Affordable rural housing is about more than bricks and mortar. Affordable rural housing helps to keep rural life in England sustainable for generations to come.
