YOUNG people were the highest percentage of applicants to be interviewed for land and housing solutions from the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) in 2017, representing 62 per cent of all applicants.

This was disclosed in the CH&PA’s 2017 Annual Report presented in the National Assembly on Wednesday. Having reduced the age to apply for housing solutions from 21 to 18 years, the Authority saw some 588 individuals between the ages of 18 to 20 sending in applications.

The majority of these youths stood within the $75,000 or less income range (393), while a total of 121 fell between the $75,000 to $99,999 range.

There were 64 individuals in the $100,000 to $199,999 income range, while 10 were within the $200,000 and above range. Still in the category of youths, a total of 2451 individuals between the ages of 21 to 29 sent in applications for housing solutions.
A total of 1182 persons were a part of the $75,000 or less income range; 557 fell within the $75,000 to $99,999 range; 527 were within the $100,000 to $199,999 income range and 185 were making $200,000 or more.

In other age groups, such as those within the age range of 30 to 39, there were 947applications; while those within the age range of 40 to 49 put in 510 applications. Those in the 50 to 59 age range applied to the total of 291 while 138 persons, aged 60 and over applied.

Collectively, there were 4,927 applications for housing solutions in 2017.
Those applying from the ages of 18 to 29 saw the report arriving at the 62 per cent total of involved young people. Housing solutions include both land and housing units. “The year 2017 was pivotal, as it saw the authority going in a new direction in its mission to create cohesive and sustainable communities through the provision of a variety of housing solutions to the populace,” the report indicated.

It highlighted the ‘Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond’ inaugural housing exposition as an event which showcased the initiative and which the authority reportedly received favorable feedback from the public and triggered great interest in housing solutions.

Meanwhile, with the aim of providing housing units at the Perseverance Housing Scheme and schemes which were to be constructed in other Regions, a total of 7,714 applications were received for units.

The preference of applicants with respect to house type for 6,375 registrants showed that some 4,213 persons preferred single-elevated houses, while 941 preferred the flat duplex. The least preferred by applicants were three bedroom houses.