The daily lives of millions of households in England are darkened by condensation, dampness, or mold issues. These issues even surpass the presence of large-screen televisions in many homes. Our recent analysis highlights a concerning reality for the health and well-being of residents.
With around six million households facing these problems, the quality of life is seriously compromised. In comparison, only five million homes have televisions with screens larger than 50 inches. This statistic reveals that one in four homes in England presents serious risks to the physical and mental health of its residents due to dampness. The “State of Ageing 2025” report emphasizes the gravity of the situation by showing that 7.5 million people live in homes deemed not decent. Regional disparities are significant, with older homeowners in the East Midlands having twice the risk compared to those in London. Several factors contribute to this crisis, including regional variations in the ability to maintain homes, unemployment, and low-wage jobs in certain areas, as well as the age of rural properties, which makes them more likely to require repairs.
Dr. Carole Easton OBE, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, emphasizes that “many live in homes with mold or that are damp and cold, which puts their health at risk.” She insists that “our homes must be a safe and dignified refuge”, and not a source of health problems. The report also reveals that more than a third of older homeowners living in non-decent housing suffer from high levels of anxiety, further exacerbating the crisis.
In response, initiatives such as the Good Home Hubs are being implemented to provide residents with renovation solutions and financial support. Millie Brown, Deputy Director for Housing at the Centre for Ageing Better, states that “we must act now to improve the decency of our housing, so that everyone can live in an environment where they can thrive”. There is a call for the government to incorporate the improvement of existing housing quality into its upcoming national housing strategy, ensuring that homes remain habitable and safe for future generations.
The reality of housing in England: more mold than giant televisions
In England, the number of homes suffering from condensation, dampness, or mold now exceeds that of homes equipped with large-screen televisions. According to a new analysis, six million households are facing these health-related housing issues, while around five million have televisions with screens measuring over 50 inches. This alarming statistic reveals that one quarter of English households risk compromising the physical health and mental well-being of their inhabitants due to these structural failings. This finding is detailed in the recently published chapter titled Homes of the State of Ageing 2025 report.
Impact on the physical and mental health of residents
Issues of dampness and mold in homes have direct repercussions on the health of residents. Dr. Carole Easton OBE, Chief Executive of the Centre for Ageing Better, emphasizes that “too many people live in homes with mold, or that are damp and cold, which endangers their health and well-being.” These conditions can worsen illnesses such as asthma, heart disorders, and increase the risk of falls, especially among older people.
Moreover, the report reveals that more than a third of homeowners aged 55 and older living in non-decent housing experience high or very high levels of anxiety. This critical situation highlights the profound impact that housing quality can have on mental health, exacerbating conditions of stress and distress among vulnerable populations.
To learn more about the consequences of poor-quality housing on the elderly, read this article: The Consequences of Poor-Quality Housing on the Elderly.
Regional disparities in housing quality
The quality of housing in England varies greatly by region, creating a real geographical lottery for residents. The State of Ageing 2025 report reveals that older homeowners in the East Midlands are twice as likely (21%) to live in non-decent housing than those in London (10%). The regions with the highest number of non-decent homes owned by people aged 55 and older are the North West (212,000), followed by the South West (195,000), South East (184,000), East Midlands (176,000), and Yorkshire and the Humber (162,000).
These disparities are mainly attributed to economic and structural factors, such as income level, unemployment rates, and the intrinsic quality of housing in rural areas. Rural properties, often older, are more likely to be dangerous, less energy-efficient, and in worse condition. This regional inequality underscores the need for a targeted approach to improving housing quality in the most affected areas.
Factors contributing to the deterioration of older homes
Several factors explain why homes in England suffer from such quality issues. Firstly, the English housing stock is the oldest in Europe, meaning that many homes need renovations or improvements to meet current standards of comfort and safety. The report also highlights the impact of income inequalities, with older homeowners in the poorest 20% being twice as likely to live in non-decent housing as those in the richest 20%.
The affordability of repairs and regular maintenance of homes are also major challenges, exacerbated by high unemployment rates and low-paid jobs in certain areas. This limits homeowners’ ability to invest in improving their living conditions, leading to a gradual deterioration of living standards.
To explore the experiences of people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities in seeking support for housing improvements, consult this link: Improvements to Consider: The Experiences of People from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic Communities in Seeking Support for Housing Improvements.
Efforts and recommendations to improve housing quality
In light of this crisis, the State of Ageing 2025 report calls for urgent action from the government to improve the quality of existing housing. Dr. Carole Easton OBE stresses the need for a national strategy focused on renovating older homes to make them safe, decent, and appropriate for the needs of older residents. “Our homes are the foundation of a decent life, where everyone should feel proud, safe, and protected,” she states.
Millie Brown, deputy director for housing at the Centre for Ageing Better, adds that the implementation of Good Home Hubs, single points of access providing residents with information, funding, and trusted professionals for home improvements, can have a significantly positive impact on the quality of life for residents. These hubs must be supported by long-term funding to ensure their accessibility nationwide.
The government has announced its intention to build 1.5 million new homes, but it is crucial that it also pays sufficient attention to the quality of the existing stock. Initiatives such as Good Home Hubs represent a promising solution to ensure that current homes remain habitable and secure for future generations.
