Shropshire horse-owners hit by lack of homes to buy

Lettings managers in the county revealed they have been inundated with interest in large properties with land and stabling. Gemma Smart, who works at Halls in Ellesmere, says demand is far outstripping supply, with increasing numbers unable to afford to buy.

David Bryan-Jones, from Bishop's Castle, said the situation was similar in the south of the county.

Ms Smart said a recently let property in Northwood, near Ellesmere, could have been rented '10 times over'.

She said: "We are seeing a big demand for rental properties with land and stabling and this is a good time for property owners to consider letting their property.

"The property in Northwood I could have let 10 times over, such was the interest.

"Horse owners, in particular, are looking for rental properties that have land and stabling. If you cannot afford to buy a property and you own a horse, it's very expensive to keep it on livery."

Ms Smart added the rental market for all types or rural properties was continuing to grow.

She said: "The size of deposit that lenders now demand from buyers is making it difficult and, in many cases, impossible for people to get on the home ownership ladder.

"Many homeowners are opting to rent their properties as an alternative to selling them in the challenging economic climate."

Mr Bryan-Jones said: "It is very difficult to find suitable homes for people to rent if they own ponies or livestock.

"Over the past 18 months there has been an increase in the amount of people looking to rent property.

"Homes with space for horses don't hang around for very long. Property with land is rare on the rental market."

However experts claim upward pressure on private rents is predicted to cool down this year.