City of York Council's Executive Member and Advisory Panel (EMAP) for Housing is to be asked to note the findings of the 2007 Strategic Housing Market Assessment so that the information can be used to shape housing strategy, policy and services in the future.

The study will help the council to identify key priorities for action over the next few years, and the policy issues arising from it will be submitted as evidence to inform the Sustainable Community Strategy review and Local Development Framework process.

The aim of the assessment was to identify the number, mix and type of housing required in York over the next five years, and to identify the housing needs and aspirations of particular groups of people. It was completed during the summer of 2007 and more than 13,000 households across York were selected at random to take part.  Householders were asked for information about their housing, incomes and support needs.  More than 3,000 responses were received. Researchers also interviewed representatives from a wide range of organisations and interest groups, including local employers, estate agents and residents groups.

The study found that:
- housing supply is not meeting demand, leading to a net shortage of affordable housing of 1,218 a year.
- high housing demand is pushing up prices (average house prices in York are now eight times average incomes).
- there is demand for dwellings of all sizes, but particularly 2-3 bedroom homes. 
- demand is mostly for houses, rather than flats
- the city’s housing stock is not being used effectively, with more than 30,000 homes currently under-occupied.
- the population of York is set to grow significantly, with a large increase in the number of people aged 65 and over.
- the growing number of older people will need homes and services that support independent living and increased choice.

The full Strategic Housing Market Assessment report and executive summary can be found on the council’s website.