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feature


hospitals, care facilities & retirement living


later life living – turning a corner for investors?


By 2072, almost 30% of Britons will be aged 65 or over. This stark demographic shift is already taking shape, with profound implications for the housing market. Despite an estimated shortfall of at least 4.3 million in the UK today, less than 1 million  homes. The opportunity seems clear: provide quality housing for older generations, free up traditional family homes for younger buyers, and potentially ease price pressures across the market. Daniel Austin


Despite the apparent benefits listed above, the later life living sector has struggled to gain traction. Unlike countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and the US, where dedicated retirement living regulations have unlocked significant investment, the UK lacks a clear legislative framework. Currently, later living falls under the broad C2 planning classification, a catch-all category that lumps together nursing homes, boarding schools, and even detention centres. Crucially, it does not adequately cover retirement developments where no formal care is provided, highlighting a persistent policy vacuum. As a result, the focus has remained on end-of-life care


homes rather than purpose-built communities for healthier, active retirees looking to downsize without sacrificing lifestyle. Negative public perception has further dampened investor appetite. High service charges, often compounded by opaque exit fee structures payable on death, have left families unable to sell properties while charges continue to mount, eroding any inheritance left behind. Many buyers also struggle to understand complex legal arrangements underpinning these developments, with leaseholds and restrictions creating barriers to resale.


Continued on page 48... 


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