Houses in town up at the double

The research by specialist consultants found house-hunters now need to pay an average of 132,000 to buy a property in the town.

Some properties in the most desirable areas have more than doubled in price - but the figures still remain ‘relatively low’ compared with other parts of the country.

To get a foot on the Rotherham property ladder a young couple now need to spend around 81,000 for a first home - or rent a property for around 370 a month.

And with the average income of people in Rotherham standing at about 21,800 a year, most are spending a quarter of their income on housing costs.

According to the council report, most people moving house want to stay in Rotherham - but the town’s proximity to Sheffield means some people are moving there.

The report by housing officials says: “Overall the housing market in Rotherham is buoyant - although prices are low these have risen significantly over the past five years and demand appears to be strong.”

But they warn certain types of property are in short supply - particularly two-bedroom houses needed to cater for Rotherham’s growing aged population.

Around 700 new homes of all types are said to be needed in Rotherham each year.

But Rotherham’s homeless problem is said to have improved - with the number of cases having halved since 2004.

Yet despite the upbeat picture the report says there is still a need in Rotherham for more “affordable” housing. In some rural parts of the borough that could mean sites not normally considered for housing being used to meet local needs.

And it says a large proportion of Asian households are overcrowded and are among the most likely to need affordable housing provision.

There is also a need for more specialised accommodation for people with disabilities.

n TRADING Standards officers in Rotherham have issued their own easy-to-follow guide to the controversial Home Information Packs. The sellers’ packs - which can cost up to 700 - were brought in by the Government this year.