Housing survey sets plan for future investment in East Devon council homes

East Devon District Council has published the results of a comprehensive housing stock condition survey, providing a clear picture of the current condition of its homes and guiding plans for future maintenance and investment.

The survey, carried out by independent consultants Currie & Brown on behalf of the council, covered over 4,500 properties and facilities across the district.

The survey was commissioned to:

Support the council’s strategic asset management work.

Help ensure continued compliance with national housing and consumer standards.

Identify potential health and safety risks within the stock.

The council has already completed a number of urgent repairs and improvements identified during the survey, while upgrades to heating systems, kitchens, bathrooms and energy-efficiency measures are being incorporated into both short and long-term investment plans.

This evidence-led approach will support the council’s 30-year Business Plan and a detailed Asset Management Plan, aimed at ensuring the sustainable management of the housing stock in the future.

The survey revealed that:

93% of individual homes meet the government’s Decent Homes Standard, a figure above the national average of approximately 89%. Most non-compliant properties were affected by issues related to thermal comfort, such as poor heating or insulation.

Just 1.27% of the housing stock was found to have Category 1 hazardsunder the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which is significantly lower than the national average of 5.1%. These have been addressed as a matter of priority, with works either completed or underway.

Damp or condensation issues were identified in 10% of homes – slightly higher than the national average of 7%. The main causes included poor ventilation and aging windows. Tackling these problems will be prioritised in the council’s upcoming Housing Revenue Account (HRA) planned works programme.

Many of the council’s 15 community centres require moderate repairs and energy efficiency upgrades. EPC ratings varied, with insulation, lighting and heating systems among the areas identified for improvement.

An estimated £5.2 million should be allocated for immediate catch-up repairs, with a longer-term investment of up to £311 million required over 30 years. The data will be used to inform the council’s 30-year Business Plan, to be published later in 2025/26.

Councillor Dan Ledger, Portfolio Holder Sustainable Homes and Communities, East Devon District Council, said: “The results of this survey give us a clear and realistic picture of the condition of our housing stock and community assets. While most of our homes are in good condition, the data highlights specific areas, such as heating and insulation, that need attention. We’ve already started addressing the most urgent issues, and this information will help us make well-informed, transparent decisions. Our priority now is to develop an investment programme that keeps our homes safe, energy-efficient and comfortable for East Devon tenants long into the future.”