Alternative housing models for precariously-housed elderly
LONDON: A new research paper into alternative housing models for precariously housed elderly has been released.
This research investigates the potential of alternative housing models to increase the supply of affordable housing for older Australians and the role alternative financing schemes could play in expanding those options.
A survey of industry stakeholders shows almost 75 per cent reported that the housing needs of lower income older people (55+) in the jurisdiction where they were based are ‘not well’ or ‘not at all well’ met. Participants said relying too heavily on the private rental sector to house older lower income people was problematic, and one of the main reasons why alternative affordable housing options are urgently needed.
The research identified seven housing models that best represented different combinations of attributes suitable for older households and that could benefit from further research: using mixed use apartment building owned by a state housing authority (rental); cooperative housing on land owned by a community housing provider (rental); communal housing in a two-storey building owned by a community housing provider (rental); transportable home on vacant public land (rental); shared equity home in the outer suburbs of a capital city (ownership); dual key property in the outer suburbs of a capital city (ownership); and village-style housing (rental).
The models having the greatest potential to better meet people’s needs are:
- cohousing
- integrated mixed-use developments
- modular-style manufactured housing utilising vacant land
- low-rise medium density development
- reforms to the private rental sector to better protect older tenants.
Key points
- Older Australians on lower incomes who do not own their own homes are at increasing risk of housing stress and instability, with private renters and single women facing particular risks.
- Precarious housing has negative impacts on the health, safety and wellbeing of older people, while also undermining their capacity to age well in place.
- There is an urgent need for innovation in the Australian housing market to drive an expanded and more diverse range of affordable housing options for lower income older people and reduce the need for older people to rely on the private rental sector.
- Fieldwork findings identified a range of alternative housing models with strong potential to be scaled up in the Australian context: cohousing, integrated mixed use developments, modular-style manufactured housing utilising vacant land and low-rise medium density developments.
- Reforms to the private rental sector to provide greater protection for tenants and more flexible financing models can also contribute to improving affordable housing options for older Australians.
- Key enablers for expanding affordable housing for older Australians are government incentives and subsidies for developers; planning, regulatory and financing frameworks that accommodate alternative models; and enhanced market familiarity with alternative models.
- Increasing density and acquiring land at low cost are important drivers of affordability.
- Housing models that facilitate access to social supports, health and care services and transport (e.g. through amenity-rich locations or higher dwelling density) can enhance people’s capacity to age in place.
Read the full report here.
