Older Owners

Research and policy analysis on the lives, aspirations and housing outcomes of older homeowners in the UK.

This quantitative research uses data from Census 2011 and Wave 3 of Understanding Society.

The research covers topics such as income, economic activity, moving plans, disability and health, and neighbourhood attachment.

The research has been made possible by the kind support of Hanover Housing.

Authors: James Lloyd and Dr Will Parry

You can download a copy of the research here:

Older Owners: Research on the lives, aspirations and housing outcomes of older homeowners in the UK

Twitter hashtag: #olderowners

Alongside the research, the Centre has published ‘Open Plan’, a policy discussion paper that explores what the findings of the research mean for the different policy agendas around older homeowners: specialist housing and home adaptations; under-occupancy and housing supply; the use of housing wealth to fund retirement; and, housing wealth taxation and fairness.

The report argues the government should:

1. Increase the supply and take-up of specialist retirement housing – in the right locations;
2. Tackle the barriers and costs of moving home for older homeowners;
3. Tackle the affordability gap’ for older homeowners through partial/shared ownership and ‘Help to Buy’;
4. Help older homeowners ‘downsize in place’.

Author: James Lloyd

You can download a copy of the report here:

Open Plan – Building a strategic policy toward older owners