Blueprint New Zealand: What People Want reveals strong public backing for key features of New Zealand-style housing-with-care schemes - known in the UK as 'Integrated Retirement Communities' - such as fixed monthly fees.
The research shows clear appetite for specialist housing among homeowners:
- 51% of homeowners would consider specialist housing for themselves
- 53% would consider it for a family member
- Even among over-75s, 41% would consider moving
However, supply is not keeping up with demand:
- 53% of interested homeowners say there are not enough suitable homes in their local area. Regionally, homeowners in the Midlands (51%), East of England (50%), and Scotland (48%) are most likely to say there are not enough specialist homes for older people, compared with 35% of homeowners in the South East.
This gap highlights a significant opportunity to expand provision and better meet the needs of an ageing population.
Commenting on the research findings, Paula Higgins, CEO of HomeOwners Alliance says:
"What stands out is that people want certainty and support: fixed costs, professional management and access to care. If we are serious about helping people live well for longer, we need to see a New Zealand step-change in the supply of high-quality housing-with-care.
The HomeOwners Alliance is very interested in ARCO's proposals for a Retirement Occupancy Lease. We particularly like the idea of all providers of new housing-with-care having 'skin in the game' when it comes to resale prices.”
