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The adaptability gap: Public perceptions of UK homes in 2026

The adaptability gap: thumbnail 160

Published to coincide with For Accessible Homes Week, this briefing from Habinteg shares findings from a survey that identified that one in five UK adults report that they or a family member experienced outcomes such as a delayed hospital discharge or a move into residential care, because a home could not meet their accessibility needs.

Using data from the survey – which explored public attitudes towards accessible and adaptable housing – Habinteg estimates that the cost to the NHS for delayed hospital discharges due to inaccessible homes could run to over £3.9 billion, while moves to residential care for the same reason could cost over £11 billion if each lasted just four weeks.

The survey results also show that worry about the suitability of future housing is highest among people who have previously experienced or witnessed the impact of inaccessible homes. Furthermore, a third (29%) of this group worry always or often about the suitability of their home or that of a loved one, compared to just 15% of all UK adults. One in five (22%) unpaid carers said they worry often or always [backed in a Carers UK/Housing LIN report].

Meanwhile, among those aged between 55 and 64, less than a third (28%) said they were confident that their current home would allow independent living at age 80 without adaptations compared to four in 10 (40%) of all UK adults.

Habinteg’s survey also found that people’s concerns about adapting homes are mainly financial and practical. Cost is one of the top three concerns, cited by 46 per cent of respondents, followed by whether their home can be adapted at all (36%). Of those who rent, 38 per cent said getting permission from a landlord or housing provider to adapt a home would also be a top three concern.

Accessibility appears more important when people think about their next home move, compared with past considerations. While 17 per cent said accessibility and adaptability were a high or top priority when choosing their last home, 25 per cent said it will be for their next move.

If you found this of interest, you can also read our CEO’s blog for Habinteg here: Accessible Homes - let's focus on the social case, not just the business case (opens new window)