Who we are...

In May 2006, Wells Area Partnership and Wells Town Council commissioned a survey into the housing needs of local people.  It produced some startling results:

• 52 households had experienced a family member having to move out of Wells in the past five years due to high house prices.
• The average terraced house in Wells costs £253,750 against £147,033 elsewhere in North Norfolk
• More than 50% of households in Wells have a joint income less than £20,000 pa.
• 111 Wells area households immediately need new housing
• 20% of houses in Wells are second homes and the figure is rising every year

As a direct result of this survey ‘Homes for Wells’ was formed. 

Due to the increasing popularity of the town for retirement and second homes, house prices have risen at such an alarming rate that many locals are unable to afford to buy property in the town and are being forced to live elsewhere.

It is imperative that Wells retains its friendly community spirit by ensuring a good balance of young and old, single people, couples and families along with the volunteers and workers essential to the well being of a community.  Wells is a renowned holiday destination and relies on tourism as one of the major sources of income.  It is therefore inevitable that people are going to want to purchase 2nd homes here.  The danger is that Wells will become a ghost town during the winter season.  By providing affordable homes for the locals Homes for Wells is trying to ensure a balance is maintained.  Keeping the town vibrant 52 weeks of the year and endeavouring to ensure that Wells retains the very character and services which make it so attractive.

Homes for Wells is an independent body and has the support of eight Board Members:
Marcus French (French’s Fish & Chips), Anne Phillips (Solicitor),
Peter Terrington (Retired Teacher), Duncan Marshall-Andrew (Builder/Developer),
Jim Fergusson (Whin Hill Cider), Andrew Gates, Fiona MacCallum(WAP)
and Elaine Lawrence(Director of own company).