Age UK highlights ‘continual scarcity’ of properties appropriate for last-time consumers

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Your help makes all of the distinction. Learn extra Stronger motion is required to deal with a continual scarcity of housing appropriate for last-time movers, with too many older individuals dwelling in properties that won't assist them to age nicely, in response to Age UK.

The charity stated it needs to see a housing technique which recognises that the overwhelming majority of older individuals will age in “mainstream” properties, with extra emphasis on house movers who're aged between 50 and 75.

In its Late Movers report, Age UK highlighted considerations in regards to the affordability, accessibility and high quality of housing obtainable for individuals as they age.

Analysis carried out by Opinium, on behalf of Age UK in January 2025, amongst greater than 2,500 older individuals, discovered practically half (47%) of these surveyed aged 66 to 74 had moved for the reason that age of fifty.

Within the survey of individuals aged 66 or older, simply over a 3rd (36%) stated they're anxious in regards to the affordability of their house as they age and about two-fifths (42%) are anxious about accessibility.

Greater than a 3rd, (35%) are anxious in regards to the situation of their house and practically three in 10 (29%) stated they've worries about safety.

Seven 10 (72%) of these aged 66 to 74 thought it could be troublesome to maneuver as soon as they had been over the age of 75.

Three in ten (29%) thought that shifting at 75-plus can be very troublesome and one thing they may not handle, even with assist.

Even amongst pensioners who've moved prior to now 4 years, over a 3rd (36%) stay anxious in regards to the accessibility of their property, for instance, how they'd handle in the event that they struggled with steps or stepping into and out of a shower.

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Age UK warned that unsuitable properties for older individuals might enhance stress on social care, the NHS and authorities funds.

In the meantime, inexpensive, age-friendly, adaptable properties in first rate situation can play a major half in serving to individuals maintain their independence, and age in higher well being, the charity stated.

Age UK stated for these shifting whereas aged between 50 and 75, it could be their final home transfer, so there's a “nice alternative” for the housing sector and authorities to get it proper.

It added that, whereas many older individuals might be owners, some might be renters, and it's “actually vital” to make sure that properties can flex to satisfy individuals’s wants as they age.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK stated: “For the time being, we're miles behind the place we needs to be in the case of the supply of fine high quality, simply adaptable properties appropriate for our ageing inhabitants, however the sooner the Authorities addresses this the faster we'll catch up.”

She added: “Our precedence needs to be to make sure that mainstream housing is appropriate for an ageing inhabitants and that the brand new mainstream properties being constructed below the Authorities’s formidable plans can flex to satisfy the wants of individuals as they age, particularly the numerous numbers who select to relocate within the 50 to 75 age group, lots of whom won't transfer once more.”

Neil Jefferson, chief govt on the House Builders Federation (HBF), stated: “We face an acute, housing disaster on this nation and we have to be delivering extra properties of every type for individuals of all ages.

“While the planning modifications launched by Authorities are constructive, there are main constraints on housing supply together with rising taxes and prices making many websites unviable, and suppressed demand because of an absence of inexpensive mortgage lending.

“Native authorities want to make sure they've sturdy plans in place that set out the place properties, together with these for older individuals, are to be constructed.

“The Authorities ought to think about incentives, like stamp obligation aid, to assist individuals transfer at each stage of life. This might embody supporting older individuals to maneuver to properties that higher meet their wants, releasing up present properties and creating motion within the property market.”

The HomeOwners Alliance just lately highlighted a necessity for bungalows, after its analysis instructed that 38% of householders aged 55-plus would like a bungalow for his or her subsequent transfer.

One in seven (14%) owners aged 55-plus, who took half in a survey for the HomeOwners Alliance, stated they needed to maneuver, however in the end felt unable to, for numerous causes, such because the the stress and upheaval concerned, an absence of appropriate properties, and a reluctance to depart their group behind.

The HomeOwners Alliance pointed to figures from the Nationwide Home Constructing Council (NHBC), a guaranty and insurance coverage supplier, indicating that bungalows made up 11% of latest house registrations in 1990, however simply 1% in 2024.

The NHBC has a 70%-plus share of the UK guarantee market and its figures point out the inventory of latest properties within the pipeline as properties are registered with it earlier than being constructed.

Mary-Lou Press, president of NAEA (Nationwide Affiliation of Property Brokers) Propertymark, stated: “With out appropriate choices to maneuver into, many are staying in bigger household properties that not serve them, which in flip limits availability for youthful households making an attempt to step up the ladder.

“There's a clear and pressing want for extra age-friendly housing developments, each within the personal and inexpensive sectors, to help wholesome ageing and enhance mobility throughout the housing chain.”

Megan Eighteen, president of ARLA (Affiliation of Residential Letting Brokers) Propertymark, stated: “As extra older individuals look to lease, whether or not by selection, monetary necessity, or way of life, the dearth of acceptable housing is forcing many into properties that merely aren’t match for function.

“This not solely impacts their high quality of life but in addition places stress on different elements of the housing system.”

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Native Authorities spokesperson stated: “We inherited a damaged housing system which has failed older individuals and locked a technology out of house possession.

“By way of our Plan for Change we’re taking pressing motion to construct 1.5 million properties, together with extra properties for older individuals, so that everybody has housing safety.”