The UK is grappling with a “severe” shortage in dedicated LGBTQ+ homes, according to new data.
Research from Knight Frank found there is just one exclusively dedicated LGBTQ+ home available for every 1,200 LGBTQ+ individual aged over 65 in the UK. The data is based on ONS and Annual Population Survey data.
Knight Frank said there was a “huge opportunity” to grow the sector and called for the senior housing sector to develop more dedicated LGBTQ+-exclusive accommodation over the next decade.
The report showed there were more than 68,415 people over the age of 65 living in the UK in 2021 identifying as LGBTQ+, accounting for less than 1% of the UK’s overall 65-plus population. However, that figure is expected to rise over the next two decades as societal attitudes change and people feel more safe and supported to openly express their sexual preferences.
Knight Frank said that even if only 5% of those who are 65-plus and identifying as LGBTQ+ considered moving into dedicated LGBTQ+ senior housing, that was still 3,421 individuals with a current provision of 57 homes, creating a penetration rate of 1.7%.
This penetration rate decreases to just 0.3% if a quarter of the seniors who identify as LGBTQ+ wish to move into dedicated LGBTQ+ accommodation.
There are only two schemes in the UK, totalling 57 homes, that provide LGBTQ+-affirmative housing for seniors. Tonic Housing and Anchor are the only two UK providers.
Tonic delivered its first purpose-built scheme in BankHouse in Vauxhall. According to findings published in 2020 by Tonic, Stonewall Housing and Opening Doors, 56% of 624 senior LGBTQ+ residents lived alone. Three-quarters wanted to stay in London, while a quarter had a disability that required specific housing.
Nearly 80% of seniors considering their retirement said their preferred choice would be an LGBTQ+-provided community.
Tom Scaife, head of seniors housing at Knight Frank, said: “Current LGBTQ+-affirmative schemes have shown there is strong demand and a proven concept, so more supply should follow. Clearly, there is currently a severe lack of dedicated provision, which suggests there is a huge opportunity for growth. As a result, we can be confident that investor appetite will likely increase in line with demand from residents.
“To hear this is saddening, dedicated seniors housing can support older LGBTQ+ people in our communities by providing inclusive spaces and supportive environments where people can feel confident about being their true and authentic selves, without fear of discrimination, isolation, or loneliness.”
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