Ages and stages: Connecting homes and growth

To meet the ambitious goal of delivering 1.5 million homes by the end of the current Parliament, the UK must not only drive economic growth but also address specific housing needs in response to changing demographics across the UK. The most important determinant of demand is the age profile of the UK population, the country is ageing, and our milestones are shifting later.

There are two critical areas of housing delivery that will be influenced by these factors, Build to Rent (BTR) sector,predominantly serving those between the ages of 25-34, and the provision of senior living housing, which doesn’t currently provide enough options for a stage of life that could be up to 50 years long.

The BTR sector has shown remarkable growth, with the completion of over 22,300 new BTR homes in 2024 alone,marking a record year for the sector.

The operational BTR stock, which includes co-living, multifamily, and single family housing, now exceeds 126,000 homes, with substantial growth projected in the coming years.

Simultaneously, the UK’s ageing population presents an urgent need for senior living housing. With people aged 65 and over constituting around 18% of the population and the number of those aged 80 and over set to more than double, there is a clear demand for more housing solutions that cater to older adults. Modern senior living schemes must evolve to accommodate the active lifestyles of the over-55s, ensuring that housing options are both diverse and flexible.

This report, the latest in the Ages and Stages initiative, examines demographic trends, regional variations, and economic factors, exploring how these sectors canaddress the evolving needs of the UK population and support the broader goal of economic and social well-being.