A shortage of accessible homes is affecting people’s independence and could be driving billions of pounds in health and care costs, according to research from Habinteg Housing Association.

Its briefing, The adaptability gap: public perceptions of UK homes in 2026, found that 21% of UK adults aged 16 to 79 said they or a family member had experienced consequences such as delayed hospital discharge or a move into residential care because their home could not meet their accessibility needs.

Using the survey findings, Habinteg estimates potential hospital costs of £3.9bn, assuming a three-day discharge delay, and residential care costs of more than £11bn, assuming stays of four weeks. These are illustrative estimates rather than recorded annual expenditure.

The impact was particularly pronounced among unpaid carers: 40% reported experiencing or witnessing these consequences, compared with 21% of adults overall.

For Habinteg Insight Group member Mike Nevin, unsuitable housing meant remaining in hospital after a major health incident affected his mobility. A temporary ramp enabled him to return home, but he eventually moved from Somerset to Durham to find a suitable property.

The research also highlights barriers to adapting existing homes. Almost half of respondents (46%) identified cost as a leading concern, while 36% worried about whether their property could be adapted. Among renters, 38% cited obtaining permission from their landlord or housing provider.

Habinteg is calling for all new homes to be built to accessible and adaptable standards, a policy supported by 52% of respondents.

Martin Warhurst, Habinteg’s chief executive, said: “The lack of accessible homes causes real harm and hardship to countless households, as well as driving costs to public services.”

For housing providers, the findings underline the importance of timely adaptations, clear information for residents and early conversations about changing needs. Habinteg argues that accessible housing must be central to social care reform, helping people remain independent and reducing pressure on services.

Read the full briefing The adaptability gap: public perceptions of UK homes in 2026.