Make better use of homes we already have, says Birchgrove CEO Honor Barratt

"We welcome the publication of the NPPF, which outlines how the government plans to overhaul the planning system to meet its target of achieving 1.5 million new homes. In addition to building more properties, we believe a crucial and sustainable part of the solution to the country’s housing crisis is making better use of the homes we already have.

 

“This country has a severe lack of housing suitable for people in later life. Senior housing needs to be moved up the agenda as it’s a key part of the solution to this country’s wider housing crisis. Two-thirds of over-65s have at least two empty spare bedrooms in their home, which equates to nine million empty bedrooms every night.

 

“A significant number of these people would move to smaller properties if more suitable senior living was widely available. This would free up many larger properties and have a knock-on effect on the entire housing market.

 

“According to CBRE research, the UK already has a 614,000 shortfall in senior living units. Separate research from Knight Frank showed just 8,000 new senior living units were built in 2022, despite the Mayhew Review that was published the same year suggesting 50,000 units per year are needed to meet demand.”