Housing

Newport is a growing city, which has increased demand for housing of all kinds. The ongoing regeneration of Newport, the Ryder Cup in 2010 and continued inward investment from private enterprise is likely to ensure this growth is sustained in the future. As such the council needs to develop innovative solutions to meet housing need in the city.

Affordable housing

Like many parts of the country Newport has experienced significant house price increases. Between September 2003 and March 2008 the average price of a property in Newport rose by nearly £60,000. This has made purchasing a property on the open market unaffordable for many first time buyers. The council helps first time buyers through the Newport City Living Scheme.

Homelessness

The council is committed to assisting vulnerable groups in accessing safe, secure accommodation that meets their needs. We take a proactive approach to combating homelessness, providing a comprehensive advice and prevention service. We also work in partnership with a range of agencies to increase the options available for homeless people.

Rented housing

The rise in property prices has also seen increased demand for social rented housing. There are about 12,000 social rented properties in Newport, the majority of which are now owned by Newport City Homes (opens new website) with about a third being owned by other housing associations. Newport City Homes will continue the works started by the council to meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard by 2012.

Private rented housing and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

The council’s Environmental Health Housing team aims to maintain minimum housing standards and protect public health and safety in domestic premises by regulation, enforcement, advice and support.

Find information about drainage complaints, accumulations, disrepair and conditions and more on the Private Rented housing pages.

You can find out about the licensing and condition of HMOs and the landlords forum in the Houses in Multiple Occupation pages.

Environmental Health (Housing)
Newport City Council
Civic Centre
Newport
NP20 4UR

Email: env.health@newport.gov.uk

Tel: 01633 656656
Fax: 01633 232425

Private housing

The majority of Newport’s housing stock is in the private sector, including over 600 leasehold properties, which are managed by the council. We are also committed to tackling vacant properties in the private sector. The council’s Empty Homes team works with owners to bring their properties back into use and help meet housing need in the city.

To ensure the council is able to do all these things the housing department has a strong strategic and enabling function. Through negotiations with private developers we are able to ensure the maximum benefits for people of Newport and bring us close to achieving the vision set out in the local housing strategy.