Report proposes new way forward to put equity of health and wellbeing at the heart of housing policy

The Institute of Health Equity at UCL has produced a report explaining the consequences housing problems have for health equity and outlining what can be done by national and local government in collaboration with the property sector to solve the twin crises of housing and health.

The report, Building Health Equity: The Role of The Property Sector in Improving Health, highlights the profound impacts – both positive and negative – that housing has on health and wellbeing, detailing how poor quality and inequitable access to homes is linked with worse mental and physical health, whereas increased availability of secure, affordable, warm homes can improve long-term health and longevity.

Professor Sir Michael Marmot, UCL Institute of Health Equity Director, says: "The twin housing and health crises bring an opportunity for new partnerships between government and the property sector to promote and sustain health equity… Our new report lays out a new way forward and reinforces that preventing ill health and reducing inequalities can and must begin at home."