Think-tank backs Integrated Retirement Communities and New Zealand-style reform for older people's housing

The report, Solving the Housing Crisis: A Plan to Make Homes More Affordable in Every Postcode,  argues that specialist housing for older people should play a greater role in tackling the UK's housing crisis, boosting housing supply and helping older people live independently for longer. It recommends that Government takes steps to support the expansion of Integrated Retirement Communities as part of a wider strategy to increase housing delivery and improve housing affordability. The report was authored by Prosper UK's Housing Commission, chaired by former Housing Minister, Lord Gavin Barwell.

The report's recommendations closely align with ARCO's long-standing policy priorities, including reforms that would enable the UK to learn from successful international models such as New Zealand's retirement village sector.

In particular, the report recommends:

• Implementing the Law Commission's recommendations on event fees without further delay;
• Ensuring that leasehold reform accommodates housing-with-care and does not unintentionally restrict the growth of Integrated Retirement Communities;
• Developing a bespoke and tightly regulated tenure framework for housing-with-care, with strong consumer protections;
• Examining how Australian and New Zealand-style deferred payment models could operate at scale in the UK;
• Considering further legal and regulatory reforms to support investment in older people's housing and retirement communities.

Michael Voges, Chief Executive of ARCO, said:

"We are delighted to see the Prosper UK Housing Commission recognise the vital role that Integrated Retirement Communities and housing-with-care can play in addressing the UK's housing crisis.

"This report is another important sign of growing support for reforms that would unlock greater investment in specialist housing for older people, increase housing choice and help more people access homes that support independence, wellbeing and healthy ageing.

"The Commission's recommendations reflect a growing consensus that the UK should learn from successful international examples. Countries such as New Zealand have created thriving retirement community sectors through legislation and tenure models specifically designed for housing-with-care. There is a significant opportunity to bring those lessons to the UK."

The report follows recent comments from Baroness Taylor, the Minister responsible for older people's housing, who told Parliament that she is exploring the models advocated by ARCO and examining international examples, including New Zealand's retirement village framework, to determine whether legislative changes may be required to support similar approaches in England.

ARCO continues to advocate for reforms that would enable the UK to develop a world-leading Integrated Retirement Community sector, drawing on international best practice to deliver more housing-with-care, support healthy ageing and help unlock housing supply across the country.