CQ Blog: What about the last-time buyer

27 Aug 2015

The need for more housing is unquestionable and the shortage of housing for the over 50s is equally so, especially as it is forecast that the amount of over-85s is set to double by 2030.

The circular economy is making us all think about reducing waste and reusing materials, but what about the lifecycle of our housing stock – and how to encourage recycling.

We all know about first-time buyers but we now have a new phrase to complete the circle: ‘last-time buyers’, coined by retirement home specialist McCarthy and Stone. NHBC statistics show that builders registered a total of 2,337 properties specifically designed for the elderly in the first six months of 2015 – outstripping the total 1,919 which were registered for the whole of 2014.

The need for more housing is unquestionable and the shortage of housing for the over 50s is equally so, especially as it is forecast that the amount of over-85s is set to double by 2030. It is also recognised that the shortage of suitable accommodation for this age-group is an obstacle for those wanting to downsize, and the more efficient use of our housing stock; with regard to occupancy levels.

There are currently two research projects being carried out by the NHBC to better understand the future housing needs of our ageing population. Clearly there are some givens in parallel with our health buildings, the need for protection and means of escape for those less able to protect themselves in the event of a fire and additionally the need to resist and protect the occupants from the forecast effects of climate change, flood, storm and heatwaves. Overheating can be a particular issue for the elderly, especially those who are frail or unwell.

These criteria inevitably lead designers to adopt concrete and masonry solutions to achieve the high standards of performance required for this segment of the housing market. As well as the improved performance and quality, concrete and masonry also provides durability and best whole life performance. These quality standards should be accessible to all, so the legacy of this new housing will benefit all future occupants of these homes, and may drive quality for all our new housing stock.