The Hidden Housing Crisis Facing People Approaching Retirement
The Hidden Housing Crisis Facing People Approaching Retirement
Why we need to think differently about housing, affordability and the homes we already have.
HOUSING & INDEPENDENT LIVING
Insights from Supportmatch
“Sometimes part of the answer may already exist within the homes and communities around us.”
SUPPORTMATCH HOMESHARE
A recent Sky News investigation has highlighted a worrying housing problem that could become increasingly difficult to ignore: a growing number of people are approaching retirement without the security of owning their own home.
Sky News reports that the number of UK households aged 55-64 living in the private rented sector has risen by 82% since 2008.
For people approaching retirement, this creates a particular problem. Their income may fall substantially when they stop working, while their rent, household bills and other living costs continue – and can increase.
According to the investigation, a person continuing to rent throughout a 20-year retirement could spend £461,460 more than someone who owns their home outright. Even downsizing to a one-bedroom property could still mean significant housing costs throughout retirement.
Perhaps most concerning is that 40% of renters aged 55 and over say their housing costs make them worried about homelessness.
This is not simply a problem for individuals approaching retirement. It raises much wider questions about how we provide suitable, affordable and sustainable housing as our population ages.
We need more than one solution
Building more affordable and age-appropriate housing is clearly important. But new homes alone cannot solve every aspect of the problem.
Across the country, there are also older people living in homes with spare bedrooms who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation or difficulty managing some of the everyday practicalities of living alone.
At the same time, younger people, key workers, professionals and others can struggle to find good-quality accommodation at a price they can afford.
These two housing challenges are usually discussed separately.
Homeshare brings them together.
Through Homeshare, a Householder with a spare room is carefully matched with a vetted Homesharer who needs affordable accommodation. Instead of a conventional rental arrangement, the Homesharer provides an agreed amount of companionship and light practical help around the home.
This might include sharing a meal, shopping, light household tasks, help with technology or simply providing the reassurance of another person being in the home.
For the Householder, it can help reduce isolation and support independent living.
For the Homesharer, it can provide more affordable accommodation and greater housing stability.
And importantly, it makes better use of housing that already exists.
Housing policy should recognise Homeshare
The Sky News investigation points to something bigger than today’s housing crisis.
The generation immediately behind those approaching retirement is also increasingly reliant on private renting. Sky News found that the number of privately renting households aged 45-54 has risen by 98% since 2008.
Unless we broaden the range of housing solutions available, affordability and housing insecurity in later life could become an even greater social challenge.
Homeshare will not be appropriate for everyone, and it is not a substitute for social housing, professional care or supported accommodation.
But it should form part of the conversation.
Councils, NHS organisations, housing providers, charities and government should be looking at how existing homes, spare rooms and community-based models can complement new housing development.
At Supportmatch, we have seen how carefully managed Homeshare arrangements can create benefits on both sides of the housing equation: helping Householders remain connected and independent in their own homes while providing Homesharers with an affordable place to live.
The housing challenges described by Sky News demand long-term investment, but they also demand imagination.
Sometimes part of the answer may already exist within the homes and communities around us.
SUPPORTMATCH HOMESHARE
Bringing people together through safe, carefully managed Homeshare arrangements.
Source: Sky News, “A wave of soon-to-be retirees are ‘staring down the barrel’ of homelessness – here’s why”, 12 August 2026.
