Housing Shortage for Seniors in Sweden: A Crisis Identified in New Report
A new report highlights a severe housing shortage for seniors in Sweden, with 30% wanting to downsize but facing limited options.
Key Points
- • 30% of seniors want to downsize but lack attractive housing options.
- • 80% of municipalities have a shortage of senior housing.
- • 71% of retirees own their homes, mostly in villas.
- • Åsele is the best-ranked municipality for seniors, while urban areas rank poorly.
A new report, *Fast i flyttkedjan*, released today, reveals a critical housing shortage for seniors in Sweden. According to the findings by LF Fastighetsförmedling, a staggering 30% of older adults want to downsize, yet they are faced with limited attractive housing options. The study highlights that 80% of municipalities across Sweden are experiencing a shortage of suitable senior housing, contributing to a so-called lock-in effect that restricts mobility among elderly homeowners.
Currently, 71% of retirees own homes, mainly in villas, but mobility is notably low, especially before the age of 85. This lack of movement is compounded by practical constraints, despite 58% of seniors indicating a willingness to relocate. As Marcus Svanberg, CEO of LF Fastighetsförmedling, pointed out, facilitating these moves to more age-appropriate accommodations is essential for the overall mobility in the housing market.
The report indicates a significant disparity in housing conditions by gender, revealing that 58% of men over 65 live in single-family homes compared to 48% of their female counterparts. Alarmingly, only 1.5% of people aged 65-79 live in specialized senior housing and 20% of municipalities lack any senior housing options altogether. The study criticizes the Swedish government's housing policies aimed at seniors, which have only garnered 16% public approval.
In terms of municipal rankings, Åsele in Västerbotten is lauded as the best municipality for seniors, in stark contrast to Lomma and various urban areas that rank poorly. The report emphasizes the urgent need for revised housing policies specifically designed for the elderly to tackle the ongoing housing crisis affecting this demographic.