The RHG has responded to the Chancellor’s Budget statement on 26 November 2025. Paul Teverson, chair of the RHG, stated:

“We recognise the fiscal challenges the country faces but this Budget does little to help older people, particularly those who want to downsize into homes better suited to their needs. Not reducing or reforming stamp duty blocks those in later life from moving and limits the release of family homes for younger people. The RHG has called for downsizing to be supported as it would free up housing, reduce NHS demand, deliver health and social care savings, and increase independence in later life. It would also add billions of pounds to the economy through the development of more specialist housing for older people.

“We repeat our call for the government to act on the clear recommendations made by the Older People’s Housing Taskforce. It set out a roadmap for expanding retirement housing and improving affordability and consumer understanding and awareness. The continued delay in publishing the long-promised Housing Strategy also leaves retirement housing operators without the certainty they need to invest.

“Retirement housing is not a luxury. It is essential infrastructure, and with the right policies we can ensure older citizens have the housing and care choices they need to live safely, securely and independently.”

Background information:

• Millions of older people are unable to move from their existing homes into something better suited to their needs because there are so few options for them to move to.
• The RHG is calling for the implementation of the recommendations by the Government-led Older People’s Housing Taskforce. It noted supply of this form of housing could be increased from around 7,000 new homes a year to around 50,000. The taskforce called for:
  • A national strategy for an ageing population
  • An exemption from stamp duty for older people downsizing into properties worth up to £425,000
  • Revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to strengthen the need to build older people’s housing
  • A planning presumption in favour of new developments for older people
  • Proper assessments of housing need for older people
  • Measures to address the viability constraints that impact the delivery of new retirement schemes, including exempting it from having to contribute towards Affordable Housing and CIL payments
  • A requirement for all Local Plans to include a policy on older people’s housing
  • Set a target of 10% of delivery through the Affordable Homes Programme for older people’s housing
  • Review and expand funding for the Older People’s Shared Ownership (OPSO) scheme run by Homes England for people who are unable to afford the full price of a new retirement property
• The Government promised to give serious consideration to these recommendations when they were published in November 2024, and its statement can be read here: Written statements – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament. So far they have not been implemented.