STARTER homes in Upton-upon-Severn have almost doubled in price over the past five years, leaving first-time buyers with little chance of stepping on to the housing ladder.
On the average rural wage of £15,000, the maximum mortgage available would be £50,000, whereas starter homes at Tunnel Hill were now selling for £87,000, said Worcestershire rural housing officer Alan Saunders.
Speaking to Upton Town Council, Mr Saunders said there was a real need for low-cost housing in rural areas and more money was being made available to housing associations for building them.
"There has been a dramatic increase in house prices recently and the average house in rural areas of the West Midlands is now £95,835," he said.
"My role is to work with parish councils to assess the need for affordable homes in their area and, once we have identified the need, I can help you find a site and work with a housing association to build the houses."
The need could be assessed through a housing needs survey, or as part of a parish plan, an option that would enable the town council to tap into a number of available grants, he said.
