Housing Across Life Stages

Understanding how housing supports people’s needs from childhood to older age — and across diverse life circumstances.

About this theme

Housing plays a central role in health and wellbeing across the entire life course. From children growing up in temporary accommodation, to young adults navigating insecure housing, to older people needing accessible, supportive environments, housing must adapt to meet a wide range of needs. At the Healthy Housing Initiative, we explore how people’s housing experiences change over time and how design, policy, and services can work together to create inclusive, safe, and supportive homes. Our work highlights inequalities, identifies solutions, and provides evidence that helps shape homes and communities where everyone can thrive — at every stage of life.

Our Work

We collaborate with policymakers, local authorities, housing providers, refugee charities, and community organisations to build evidence about:
1) how housing needs evolve across the life course
2) which interventions support independence and wellbeing
3) where housing systems fail different population groups
4) what policy and design changes can create more inclusive, age-friendly, and supportive homes
Our research informs better planning, better services, and better homes

Children, Young People & Families

Understanding how housing conditions, insecurity, overcrowding, and instability affect development, education, and long-term wellbeing.

Young Adults & Early Career Households

Exploring affordability, renting insecurity, transitions into independent living, and the housing challenges faced by students, graduates, and young workers.

Working-Age Adults & Families

Examining how housing, employment, health, and family life intersect — including caregiving pressures, overcrowding, and low-quality PRS accommodation.

Refugees, Migrants & People In Transition

Investigating how housing systems respond to displacement, resettlement, and cultural needs, and how policy can support belonging and stability.

Ageing Well & Later Life Housing

Identifying what people need to remain independent, safe, and socially connected in older age, and how homes and services can adapt through accessible design and integrated care.