The market for Lifetime Homes
The quality of housing demanded by buyers and tenants is always increasing - Lifetime Homes include a number of attractive features that will differentiate then from existing homes and offer a positive marketing edge.
Lifetime Homes suit all lifestyles, so people moving out will find plenty of people wanting to move in. But people who see their home as a long-term investment, and do not want to move, will be reassured if their home is built to Lifetime Homes standards. A Lifetime Home will not evict you simply because you are less fit and able than when you moved in.
People want attractive homes:
"A common misconception is that Lifetime Homes are all ramps and handrails. Nothing could be further from the truth. Intrusive adaptations become necessary where ease of access was not considered from the very start of the design process. Millions of pounds in public subsidy could be saved each year if these adaptations did not need to be made.
"To the untutored eye, a Lifetime Home is unremarkable - much like any other house in the street. But, because there is no flight of steps at the front door, a ramp will never have to be fitted. Because there are built-in facilities at ground-floor level, a rear extension will never be needed. It is only over a longer period that the added convenience and safety engendered by its special design features begin to be appreciated.
"I have seen new housing built to Lifetime Homes standards in France, Denmark and Holland. Nothing special. Just attractive housing in keeping with the style of the area and built with an eye to the future."
Sabrina Aaronovitch
"Because Lifetime Homes look no different but have several practical and marketable benefits, we are currently promoting the concept of Lifetime Homes in our region and extending the idea as part of our continuing housing development programme."
Damian Bullimore
Derek Latham and Co., Derby
"We quickly realised the definite marketing advantage which Lifetime Homes have in terms of making provisions for the various needs of a growing family.
"The company was also pleased to discover that there was very little difference in the cost of building a Lifetime Home in comparison with a traditional design: somewhere in the region of £1.30 per sq. ft, which we have more than recouped in the market value.
"We firmly believe that prevention is better than cure and that a Lifetime Home not only has a considerable amount to offer, but also provides us with a clear marketing edge."
David Crossland
Director, Conroy Jones Homes
Find out more about:
- Introduction to Lifetime Homes
- Summary tables
- Achieving Part M and Lifetime Homes standards
- The market for Lifetime Homes
- Lifetime Homes questions