As reported by THE TIMES on Feb 29th 2008, all new homes built after 2013 must be built with the lifetime of it’s occupants in view. In other words, doors must be wider to accommodate wheelchairs, sockets placed higher on the walls, space to allow stair-lifts and tracking hoists must be accommodated as well.

This sounds great in theory, meaning that a larger number of people might be able to stay in their own homes longer. However, objections have come from the likes of the retirement village builders who feel that this may encourage people to stay in their own home when they could be missing out on the social aspects of living in a retirement village.

Another objection is from the Home Builders Federation. They say that the cost would be passed on to first time buyers. The housing minister, Caroline Flint said she would work closely with the Home Builder Federation to gauge the true cost.