Affordability Hides Deeper Problems

House prices in Rhondda and Ogmore remain relatively affordable. With an average property value of £122,184, the area has some of the lowest prices in the UK, ranking in the bottom 5%.

But low prices don’t tell the whole story. Many homes are older terraced houses, dating back to the 19th century, and some fail to meet modern public health and size regulations. These properties often require expensive maintenance, and poor insulation makes them costly to heat.

Renters face serious problems too. One in five homes (20%) is privately rented, and evictions have skyrocketed by 65% in the last five years. In 2022/23, 440 households in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) were made homeless due to eviction, compared to 288 in 2018/19. Rising mortgage rates and new tax rules mean many landlords are selling up, leaving renters with fewer options and higher costs.

Homelessness on the Rise

The housing crisis is forcing more families into temporary accommodation. There’s been a 69% increase in placements, and the cost to the local council has jumped 475% – from £278,000 in 2017 to £1.63 million in 2022. The biggest rise in homelessness applications has come from families with children, showing just how deeply this crisis is affecting ordinary working people.

Building Better Communities

It’s not just the houses themselves. Many of our streets and neighbourhoods need some TLC. Poor bin collection, a lack of green spaces, and unattractive street furniture all contribute to a sense of decline. Yet, we have one of the highest levels of access to natural green spaces in Wales. The question is: how do we bring that beauty into our streets and town centres?

Flooding and Infrastructure Challenges

Housing isn’t just about affordability – it’s also about safety and resilience. Flooding is becoming an increasing risk for homes and businesses in Rhondda and Ogmore, with extreme weather events hitting our valleys harder and more frequently. Storm Dennis in 2020 brought over 160mm of rain in just 48 hours, leaving hundreds of homes and businesses underwater, while Storm Bert in 2024 dumped 80% of November’s rainfall in just two days, flooding around 100 properties. The financial toll has been massive, with £81 million in insurance claims from Storm Dennis alone, and families forced to deal with the devastating cost of repairing flood-damaged homes.

Our geography makes us particularly vulnerable. Steep, narrow valleys funnel water downhill quickly, overwhelming drainage systems. With climate change bringing more extreme weather, investment in flood defences and better infrastructure is critical to protect homes, businesses, and livelihoods from future disasters.