Smaller properties 'not suitable for the elderly'

Posted: 20 Oct 2011 10:00:38 GMT

An expert has said it may not be suitable for elderly householders to downsize their property.

In response to the Intergenerational Foundation's report calling for tax breaks to encourage older people to downsize their property, one expert has said this is not feasible for many.

Director-general of Saga Dr Ros Altmann stated most smaller houses are not suitable for the elderly, with new-build flats being designed for younger people.

She remarked that the idea the older generation is "hoarding" accommodation is "offensive", because it sends out the message they do not deserve to live in their home.

"What we really need is purpose-built housing that is still of a reasonable size that would encourage people to downsize if they want to," Dr Altmann stated, adding that such dwellings are unfortunately in "scant" supply at present.

This week, the Intergenerational Foundation reported 25 million bedrooms are currently lying empty in houses in England, with 51.5 per cent of those aged 65 and over living in houses with two or more bedrooms.

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