The UK’s housing crisis often makes headlines, but less attention is paid to the inefficiencies in how existing housing stock is used. Some experts argue that the issue isn’t an outright shortage of homes but rather the inefficient use of housing stock, with larger family homes often occupied by older residents whose children have left home. With few attractive downsizing options, many choose to stay put, exacerbating housing shortages and inefficiencies. Addressing this bottleneck – encouraging older residents to move into appropriately sized homes – could be a sustainable solution to the crisis. It would free up family homes for families and reduce the environmental costs of continually building large houses.

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