- Today’s seniors in the UK are in a unique position relative to previous generations. They live longer, are healthier, better educated and wealthier than their predecessors. The decisions seniors make around housing are driven by quality of life, ability to manage activities of daily living, their own personal and family circumstances, and affordability.
- As seniors age, particularly beyond 80 years, their propensity to move away from their family home increases, at first gradually and then more rapidly, as they move closer to family and seek age-appropriate accommodation and care.
- The table below shows the key drivers and options available to UK seniors. Recent seniors’ surveys confirm that nearly 50% of seniors prefer staying in their own home as long as possible and hire professional care when mobility reduces and care needs increase.
- However, given the practical complexity and cost of home adjustments, the increasing need for more assistance, and/or the time and financial burden on adult children or other relatives, this option can become less appealing over time and caters to a small wealthy segment of the population.
- Using sale proceeds from the family home to buy a purpose-built senior home with amenities and optional care has become a prevalent alternative over the last 20 years. The majority of senior home purchases were for leasehold interests with deferred management (exit/event) fees via captive sales fees, all increasing the overall costs.
- More recently, renting purpose-built senior housing has become an attractive and more flexible alternative which might not require the sale of the family home leaving more wealth to their heirs and efficient estate and tax planning, shifting from a property-based decision to a more needs-based or lifestyle and services-oriented decision
- As levels of acuity or cognitive impairment increase, the role adult children in the decision-making process is likely to become more prevalent. Their attitude towards renting is more likely better informed and positive and will influence accommodation choice for their elderly parents.
- This report has a closer look at the overall UK senior housing market focusing on the emerging private rent segment.
Residents’ Motivation Across Senior Housing Options
Source: AEW Research & Strategy as of Q1 2026; National Institute for Health, England & Wales (2018)
Please click on the links above to access the full report.
For more information, please contact:
HANS VRENSEN CFA, CRE
Managing Director, Head of Research & Strategy Europe
hans.vrensen@eu.aew.com
This material is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation. The information and opinions contained in the material have been compiled or arrived at based upon information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness or fairness. Opinions expressed reflect prevailing market conditions and are subject to change. Neither this material, nor any of its contents, may be used for any purpose without the consent and knowledge of AEW. There is no assurance that any prediction, projection or forecast will be realized.
