Figures from Census 2022 show that there are 1.2 million vacant bedrooms in Irish homes.
Many of these bedrooms are in homes where the parents have become ‘empty nesters’, and these bedrooms are unlikely to be occupied in the near future.
One obvious remedy to assist with the scarcity of housing would be for the ‘empty nesters’ to downsize to a more suitable property, thus making the larger properties available for those with larger families. But, a bit like our approach to planning applications in our neighbourhood, we appreciate there is a housing crisis, and we will do all we can to solve it, as long as it does not impact negatively on ourselves.
Many older couples, widows and widowers live in large houses in which they raised their children over recent decades. There is a huge reluctance to downsize, as we grow older, in this country. There are a number of reasons for this, though it is a regular feature of life in many other countries.
The Irish obsession with home ownership is certainly a factor: having worked hard most of their lives, many still see their home as a reward for their life’s work, and woe betide anyone who suggests it is time to move out. There are also other practical considerations, people are established in their communities, and while their place of residence may be a house to others, to them it is their home. It is a place full of memories and one they would be very reluctant to move on from.
There is also the added difficulty of securing a new, smaller property. The shortage of all types of properties, either for purchase or for rent, is a critical factor in peoples’ reluctance to sell their homes.
Independent accommodation for older people
In a recent CBRE report dealing with the topic of senior living in Ireland, the relevant figures from Census 2022 were highlighted to show the challenges Irish society face in the coming years. The national aged population is growing significantly and the age bracket with the highest increase in population in Census 2022 was the group aged 70 and over.
Ireland’s population aged over 65 is predicted to grow to over 1.5 million in the next 28 years. A very small percentage of this age group, less than 5 per cent, are expected to need nursing home care, which leaves a very large number of people who will age in their communities either living independently or with supports.
The development of a large number of retirement villages took place throughout the country approx 15 years ago, as a result of attractive accelerated capital allowance schemes. There have been very few retirement villages built over the last decade and a half, at a time when there should be a growing demand for such developments.
With the number of people aged over 85 expected to grow from the existing level of under 100,000 people to well over 220,000 people in the next 20 years, demand for independent living in retirement villages is certain to grow.
It is time for the government to increase the supports, and tax and financial incentives available for the development of retirement village type accommodation: not only will it lead to more suitable living accommodation for many elderly people, it will also free up properties which can add to the limited number of stock available for those wishing to purchase.
