Understanding supply, demand and investment in the market for retirement housing communities in England

The aim of this report is to review the existing evidence to provide an understanding of supply, demand and investment in the market for retirement housing communities in England.

Written by the University of Cambridge Centre for Housing and Planning Research for Places for People, the report looks at in detail the push/pull factors, taking an extensive tour of latest national policy and guidance as well as local practice.

It demonstrates the case for wider housing choices in later life within the context of a creating a better understanding of how to influence local supply by improving local market conditions; for example, including better assessment of need and housing typologies, demand forecasting, investment opportunities, planning gain and land/asset management.

The report also explores consumer preferences and requirements and what factors are important for those who do chose to move or downsize in later life, including cultural preferences. An overarching conclusion is that there is a lack of a strong strategic vision on housing for older people, at both national and local authority levels. It highlights that without stronger leadership and encouragement from national and local planning policymakers, the supply of retirement housing may not increase.

The Housing LIN is a signatory to ARCO’s letter to the Prime Minister in March 2021 calling for a national Task Force to improve housing choices for our ageing population.