A NEW study forecasts long-term huge demands for affordable housing on the Central Coast and current indications are they will be difficult to meet.

The study was commissioned by Pacific Link Housing and conducted by Dr Tony Gilmour.

Combining the 2011 Census data with existing Department of Planning forecasts, it points to a future of rapid growth and rising costs which will challenge the delivery of affordable and community housing.

The population of the Central Coast is set to grow by 39 per cent to 424,700 in 2036, with the Lower Hunter expected to rise by 31 per cent to 675,900.

The Central Coast will need at least 52,000 new homes to accommodate this growth, and the Lower Hunter more than 95,000.

The study shows that 5067 new homes were built on the Central Coast between 2006 and 2011 but most of these were holiday homes, so the real increase in housing availability was less than 1200 properties.

Pacific Link chairman David Bacon says the figures are cause for concern.

"We're building a glamorous ghost town of expensive second homes on the Central Coast," Mr Bacon said. "What we need are smaller homes local people can afford to buy or rent."

"We welcome people with weekend rental properties but for full-time residents on average earnings it's a battle to find affordable housing they can live in."

Last year Pacific Link Housing reached an agreement with Wyong Council, which is now planning to include smaller housing blocks to provide for social and affordable housing in its future planning.

Gosford Council is also taking steps to include social and affordable housing in its planning.

Pacific Link CEO, Keith Gavin said with the Central Coast already lagging behind, the challenge was to provide a proper ratio of community and social housing for people in need.

Pacific Link currently manages 864 properties providing homes for 2000 tenants and their families.