HBF has called for action to avert a “mounting housing crisis” in Wales. <br> <br> According to the Federation, Wales’ housing shortage has reached 60,000, but fewer houses were built last year than at any time since the Second World War. <br> <br> Other statistics reveal that 100,000 families in Wales are stuck on housing waiting lists, and the average first time buyer deposit is around £30,000. <br> <br> The statistics were revealed as HBF launched its election manifesto in Wales, warning Welsh Assembly members to “wake up” to the country’s housing crisis. <br> <br> HBF’s manifesto sets out urgent steps needed to help increase supply. These include developing policies to ensure that the planning system balances its objectives to deliver more housing, and adopting the FirstBuy equity scheme to help first time buyers onto the housing ladder. <br> <br> HBF’s executive chairman Stewart Baseley said: “Wales has a desperate and growing housing crisis that just has to be addressed. The social and economic implications dictate that that the new Assembly Government’s AMs must address the barriers to delivery as a matter of urgency.” <br> <br>