Walsall Borough Housing Strategy 2026 - Key messages: Walsall’s housing requirements to 2042
Total need:
19,856 new homes (1,168 per year) required by 2042.
Affordable housing:
At least 18.6% of new homes should be Social Rent or Shared Ownership.
Size mix:
Demand for all sizes - 21% 1-bed, 28% 2-bed, 21% 3-bed, 31% 4+ bed homes.
Specialist needs:
By 2040, Walsall will require at least 2,000 additional retirement/sheltered homes, 790 extra care units for older people, 85 supported living units and 30 Shared Lives placements for people with learning disabilities/autism, 120 supported housing units for those with mental health needs, 920 wheelchair-accessible homes, and 200 more nursing care beds. (Housing LIN 2025)
Group requirements:
Plans must address families, older people, disabled residents, looked-after children, and self-builders.
Market drivers:
Population and households are set to grow sharply, with particular pressure on affordable and specialist housing.
Walsall will need to create the market environment to enable delivery of a diverse, inclusive mix of homes including affordable, larger family, and a significantly increased supply of specialist and accessible homes to meet future needs.
The Council will need to ensure regular evidence review, locality targeting, and integrated planning with health and care partners, as required by the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023.