Sheltered housing

According to 2024 EAC data, there are an estimated 527,000 properties designated as sheltered housing in the UK. There are also an estimated additional 124,000 age-designated properties, making it the single largest asset base for older people. They range from purpose-built blocks of flats with or without a warden or scheme manager to bungalow living. 

Other key characteristics include a clock alarm system so the resident can summon help in an emergency. Most schemes also have a common room for social activities, and many have additional facilities such as a communal laundry and a guest suite, and often a shared garden/outdoor space.

Much of the sheltered housing stock designed and built over the last 50 years is now outdated. It requires improvement to become an attractive, modern accommodation of choice for older people. To help better understand the market, the APPG on Housing and Care for Older People set up an Inquiry to examine what can rejuvenate the sector. The findings and recommendations of this Inqury can be found here.

• Sheltered housing is a term used to describe accommodation provided specifically for elderly people.
• Such schemes usually have the services of a warden or scheme manager.
• Each property will have a round the clock alarm system so the resident can summon help in an emergency.
• Most schemes also have a common room for social activities, and many have additional facilities such as a communal laundry and a guest suite, and often a shared garden.
• Sheltered housing provides privacy and independence, but with the reassurance of knowing help can be summoned if necessary, and the possibility of socialising with other people who are retired.

And for more about how we can help you strategically or operationally develop a better range of housing choices and transform services for people in a sheltered housing setting, email us at: consultancy@housinglin.org.uk