Housing for an Ageing Britain: A Call for Inclusive Action

As the UK population grows older, the gap between need and supply in later life housing is becoming harder to ignore. Household growth over the coming decades is expected to be led largely by people aged 65 and over, yet the number of suitable homes being built each year remains relatively small. Abdul, part of the executive team at BME National, highlights that this shortfall is felt even more sharply within ethnic minority communities, where older residents often face additional barriers to securing accessible, affordable homes.

Improving the range and quality of housing for older people will require clearer national direction and more consistent standards. This includes setting firmer expectations in future affordable housing programmes, designing new homes to be more adaptable from the outset, and supporting providers to modernise or reconfigure existing stock. Abdul notes that strengthening these foundations would not only increase supply but also create options that better reflect the needs of a diverse ageing population.

Addressing this challenge is essential for long term stability across housing, health and social care. Without the right homes, many older people find it harder to maintain independence or access the support they need. BME National believes that a more coordinated approach would ensure older residents, regardless of background or income, can look forward to safe and suitable homes that help them age well.

Please find the full article he wrote for Campbell Tickell here - https://www.campbelltickell.com/2025/11/06/increasing-the-supply-of-older-peoples-housing/