The Missed Opportunity in the UK’s Housing Targets
The Government’s goal to deliver 300,000 new homes per year forms a central part of national housing policy. However, an important question remains largely overlooked: who are we building for?
The Government’s goal to deliver 300,000 new homes per year forms a central part of national housing policy. However, an important question remains largely overlooked: who are we building for?
The truth is that a large portion of the UK’s new housing supply is aimed at first-time buyers and families, while one of the fastest-growing group, older adults, is not adequately served. This oversight is one of the greatest missed opportunities in housing policy today, especially in terms of later living housing and assisted living facilities.
A Hidden Gap Within the Numbers
The Government’s own taskforce and independent studies, like the Mayhew Review and research by the International Longevity Centre (ILC), have highlighted the extent of the issue.
To meet future needs, the UK should be constructing between 30,000 and 50,000 later living homes annually. Yet, current output is only about 7,000 per year – a mere 3% of total new housing.
If the UK were meeting even the lower target of 30,000 homes, later living housing would represent 10% of the national housing target. At 50,000 units per year, that figure would increase to 17%, a notable contribution to national housing delivery.
Instead, later living housing remains marginal in policy, disconnected from mainstream housing targets and funding strategies.
The Consequence of Overlooking Later Living
Neglecting to integrate later living housing into national policy impacts the entire system. Without enough age-appropriate, older adults struggle to downsize or access suitable care, leaving many in homes that no longer fit their needs.
This restricts housing mobility, decreases availability for younger families, and burdens health and social care systems. Simultaneously, it diminishes economic growth potential, as well-planned later construction and care industries.
The statistics make it clear that later living housing isn’t just a niche, it’s essential to the solution.
Why Inclusion Matters
Recognising later living housing within housing targets would clearly signal that addressing older people’s needs is central to the country’s broader housing and health goals.
It would also:
- Encourage local plan allocations for later living housing projects, increasing supply in appropriate areas.
- Provide policy certainty for developers and investors, unlocking future opportunities.
- Support local economies by generating jobs in construction, healthcare and hospitality.
- Deliver social value by enhancing wellbeing and alleviating pressure on overstretched services.
By incorporating later living housing into the housing delivery dialogue, the UK could progress toward its 300,000 home target in a more balanced, inclusive and sustainable manner.
A Call for Policy Alignment
At Boyer, we collaborate with clients and local authorities across the UK to advocate for this cause. Through local plan representations, site promotions and strategic advice, we are ensuring that later living housing is part of the housing mix, not an afterthought.
The evidence is clear: building for later life goes beyond providing care or comfort; it’s about fulfilling national objectives for housing delivery, health resilience and social cohesion.
To truly meet its targets, the UK must start counting the homes that matter most, those that support individuals through all life stages, including independent living and assisted living facilities.
At Boyer, we strive to make that shift happen.