Last Updated on March 20, 2017
Housing for older people is ignored by Government, failing to provide the choice of tenures and care options and confusing for buyers, says a new report from Winckworth Sherwood and Housing LIN.
The report, The other end of the housing market: Housing for older people, builds on a survey of over 100 housing providers, local authorities and health and social care professionals that sought to better understand what practical measures might be taken to improve later life housing.
Survey highlights include:
- 80% of those surveyed believe the Government’s apparent focus is unfairly skewed towards first-time buyers.
- 70% welcome the entrance of private developers.
- Location, availability and affordability are the key drivers behind the decision to move.
- High service charges and uncertainty surrounding these charges hold back decisions to move.
- 48% believe we need to develop more extra care and supported housing schemes.
- 45% believe local authority adult social care services should address housing need.
- 46% believe housing should be an enforceable human right.
The report notes a marked rise in the number of private developers moving into this market and fear over high service charges holding back decisions to move. It also highlights that whilst the top and the bottom ends of the market are well catered for by private providers and local authorities, they account for just 20% of the market. The remaining 80% – the squeezed middle – face uncertainty and difficult decisions.
Charlotte Cook, a partner specialising in later life housing at Winckworth Sherwood said, 'An individual’s final home should be the pinnacle of their housing journey and not one of compromise. All too often that is not the case. Our survey shows that whilst local authorities and private developers are responding in some interesting and innovative ways, almost all feel that the Government has overlooked this important and expanding housing market in favour of headline-grabbing initiatives aimed at first time buyers. Yet in 2017, more people will turn 70 than ever before.'
Jeremy Porteus, Managing Director at Housing LIN said, 'People aged over 65 are involved in some 40% of all housing moves. The Government and our industry need a long-term strategy that addresses the expectations and the care and support needs of all involved that reflects the scale of this market and to introduce measures that give older people confidence about the decisions they must take.'
The other end of the housing market: Housing for older people includes detailed interviews with Catalyst Housing, One Housing and Swindon Borough Council, who share how they are responding to increased demand, the benefits cap and restricted local authority budgets.