Propertymark has told the government that there must be a greater focus on housing for people with a disability and older people.

In the last parliament, Propertymark provided written and oral evidence on the issue, and the then Levelling Up, Housing and Communities select committee suggested that local authorities should retain a database of accessible social housing. 

The incoming Labour government said that this should be to the discretion of local councils, but Propertymark went further in recommending that all housing be included on the database, including homes to rent from private landlords. This should be featured in councils’ Local Plans moving forward. 

Propertymark says this is central because of the shortage of social housing and the fact that housing needs to be near support mechanisms for older persons and people with a disability.

The trade body now says that it’s pleased that the government has made progress on building more accessible properties and its call for local councils to enhance their data through the National Planning Policy Framework, which mandates local councils to determine the size, types and tenure of housing necessary for different groups, like older people and people with a disability. 

This was one of Propertymark’s recommendations featured in its evidence, and the professional body has offered to provide further access to its members’ insights into this issue through a roundtable discussion.  

The Disabled Facilities Grant is another key area with Propertymark calling for an increase in the application of the Grant via promotion and to dispel any myths about adapting property using the fund. Furthermore, Propertymark stated that there should be grant funding for landlords who do not currently have sitting tenants but want to ensure their property is accessible, calling on an uplift of the Disabled Facilities Grant in England from £30,000 to £36,000, as it is in Wales. This is vital to cover costs that have increased like labour and materials. 

At present, landlords can only receive the funding if they have an eligible tenant in situ. This is restrictive and does not allow for property to be adapted during void periods and prior to tenants moving in.  

Tim Thomas, policy and campaigns officer at Propertymark, says: “Propertymark has consistently engaged with successive governments on the need to improve access to housing for both older people and people with a disability. To maximise these opportunities and ultimately to increase the provision of accessible housing, the UK government must ensure that local authorities have the resources needed to signpost their accommodation, continue to improve supply through Local Plans and the National Planning Policy Framework, and do more to promote the Disabled Facilities Grant to landlords, tenants and property agents.”