Later-Living Homes: Meeting the Demand of an Ageing Population

A new report from the Older People’s Housing Taskforce, supported by the University of Stirling, has brought a critical issue to the forefront of the UK property market: the severe shortage of later-living homes for an ageing population. Despite growing demand, the current rate of development is far from sufficient—with only 7,000 suitable homes being delivered each year, against an estimated need of 30,000 to 50,000.

As the UK’s over-65 population continues to rise, this gap presents both a societal challenge and a unique opportunity for strategic property investors.

Key Findings from the Report

• Ageing population: Over-65s now make up 18.6% of the UK population, a figure that will increase significantly over the next four decades.
• Under-occupation: Almost 90% of individuals aged 65–79 live in homes larger than they need, restricting housing mobility.
• Affordability concerns: The cost of many private leasehold options makes them inaccessible for most over-75s.
• International gap: The UK lags behind countries like the USA and Australia, where later-living developments are more common and better integrated into the housing ecosystem.

Why It Matters—and What It Means for Investors

Without appropriate housing, older individuals face reduced independence, higher health and social care costs, and lower overall wellbeing. On a broader level, this lack of tailored housing also restricts supply elsewhere in the market, as under-occupied family homes remain unavailable for younger households.

For investors, this situation signals an emerging opportunity. The rising demand for well-designed, accessible later-living properties—paired with government calls for innovation and joined-up action—makes this a sector with significant growth potential.

Shaping the Future of Housing Through Smart Investment

As policymakers and housing experts push for long-term change, property investors can play a direct role in delivering solutions. Whether through strategic portfolio diversification or targeted acquisitions, investing in later-living properties has the potential to generate long-term returns while contributing to a more resilient housing market.

Explore High-Demand Investment Opportunities

At Regents Property, we specialise in helping investors identify and capitalise on emerging market trends. If you're looking to future-proof your portfolio and contribute to a growing sector, now is the time to explore the later-living market.