Existing homes
We want more people to live in housing that is suitable and safe as they grow older.
Through research and campaigning we’re working to improve the condition and accessibility of existing housing, making it suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
Most people will live all, or nearly all, of their lives in mainstream housing – homes that were not built specifically for a particular age group. With 80% of the homes that people will be living in by 2050 already built, the condition and accessibility of existing housing is critical in determining quality of life for people of all ages.
As we age, physical impairments or disabilities that make day-to-day life more difficult become more likely. Investing in adaptations improves wellbeing, reduces hospital admissions and prevents or delays moves into residential care.
We also need to improve the overall quality of our housing stock, with an estimated 10 million people in England living in poor-quality homes. Nearly half of all households living in these homes include someone over the age of 55. Making sure housing is in good condition and usable includes home repairs, removing injury and fall hazards, increasing thermal warmth and eliminating damp, and installing aids and adaptations like grab rails and level access showers.
