How Can We Address the Need for More Senior Housing?
The proportion of over 65s in our population is growing. By 2037, it’s probable that they will make up a quarter of the population. On our current trajectory many of these people will be living in housing that doesn’t meet their needs. They will be in houses that are too large and in locations that make it difficult for them to access the services they need.
To a lesser extent, the problem is already with us. Without a coordinated planning effort it is certain to get worse. The majority of new builds are three and four bedroom houses on extensive developments remote from town centres. So, what do we need to do now to address the issue and provide suitable homes for older people? It might be unfashionable but maybe there’s a case for more, rather than less, control over planning.
Downsizing features in the wealth planning of many people in retirement. Without a significant increase in the supply of senior housing, the drive to downsize will increase competition for smaller properties needed by first time buyers. Unfortunately, left to its own devices the housing market is an inefficient mechanism for resolving structural problems on this scale.
Downsizing has benefits for society too, as it frees up more family-sized houses for people who need them.
Planning Gaps
New research has revealed that few local authorities have appropriate plans in place to deal with the growing need for senior housing. Only 18.6% of authorities had detailed policies and had allocated suitable sites. And, half of councils have no effective policies.
A related issue is the growing number of people who choose to rent in their 30s, 40s and 50s. This trend will eventually see the current figure of 6% who rent in retirement grow significantly. The build to rent and affordable housing markets need to prepare for this trend.
Another consequence of an ageing population is eventual population decline. With it comes a fall in the number of homes that will eventually be needed. A design life of 60-80 years may be sufficient, particularly if the homes we build now are easy to disassemble and recycle.
The debate needs to be about what we build, where we build and how we build. Systems such as Osborne’s Systemised Housing allow developers to respond quickly to changing needs and make the best use of available land, while also reducing upfront costs and future maintenance requirements.
