Waiting list for social housing in Akureyri significantly reduced

The waiting list for social housing in Akureyri has been significantly reduced, currently half the length it was last year, marking the shortest wait time in several years, according to the chair of the city’s welfare council. Hulda Elma Eysteinsdóttir expresses her optimism that this positive trend will continue.

Over the past years, the waiting lists for social housing in Akureyri, similar to other areas, have been lengthy. However, this year has seen a notable improvement, with the wait time decreasing by nearly 50% since the beginning of 2023. Eysteinsdóttir notes that the wait has not been this short for at least four to five years.

The main reason for this reduction appears to be the introduction of properties by non-profit housing associations in the area. Additionally, an unusually high number of social housing units became available simultaneously. This could be due to various reasons, such as residents being moved to hospitals or exiting the support system.

Looking ahead, Eysteinsdóttir remains hopeful that the waiting lists will continue to shorten, although she acknowledges that circumstances can change rapidly. “Of course, we could see an entirely different waiting list at the beginning of next year,” she stated, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the situation.