The type of property required for supported living can vary significantly, reflecting the diverse needs of those who benefit from these schemes. While there are common misconceptions about the types of housing needed—often picturing large HMOs or old nursing homes—the reality is far more varied and personalised.
Supported living encompasses a wide range of tenant groups, each with unique requirements. Providers often seek a variety of property types to meet these needs, challenging the stereotype that only large, communal spaces are in demand. In fact, the needs of individuals can range from simple one-bedroom flats to more complex, accessible properties.
One-Bedroom Flats
One-bedroom flats are increasingly popular in supported living. These properties provide tenants with their own front door, allowing for independence while still offering access to 24-hour care if needed. This model is particularly favored for individuals with learning disabilities or long-term mental health needs who may only require limited daily support. Providers often look for blocks of one-bedroom flats, where one unit can serve as a staff hub while the others house tenants. This setup balances independence with the availability of support, creating a supportive yet self-sufficient living environment.
Bungalows
Bungalows are another highly sought-after property type. Small bungalows are ideal for individuals with complex needs who require privacy and space. Larger bungalows, on the other hand, are well-suited for groups, such as young people with physical disabilities who want to live together in an accessible, adapted environment. The single-story layout of bungalows makes them particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues, ensuring easy access to all areas of the home.
HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)
Despite evolving preferences, HMOs remain in demand among some providers. These properties can cater to individuals who might benefit from shared living environments, fostering a sense of community and reducing isolation. Providers might look for HMOs with all en suite bathrooms or those with shared bathrooms to encourage social interaction. Larger communal spaces are often a key feature, helping to create a community atmosphere within the property.
Detached Houses and Family Homes
Detached houses and family-sized homes are increasingly sought after for supported living, particularly for children's homes and services supporting young people in care. These properties offer a genuine family-like environment that can be crucial for children's development and wellbeing. The spacious layouts typically provide enough bedrooms for several children while allowing for dedicated staff accommodation. Garden spaces are especially valuable, giving residents safe outdoor areas for recreation and activities. Detached properties also offer additional privacy and reduced noise concerns with neighbours, which is beneficial when housing children who may have experienced trauma or have behavioural needs that require a more understanding environment. Many providers seek homes in residential neighbourhoods to facilitate community integration and provide a sense of normalcy, moving away from institutional settings. These properties often require minimal adaptation beyond safety measures, making them attractive options for investors who can secure longer-term leases with children's service providers. Local authorities frequently prefer these more homely settings over institutional facilities, creating steady demand in this specialised market segment.
Semi-Detached and Terraced Houses
Semi-detached and terraced houses offer an excellent middle ground for supported living providers. These properties are often more affordable than fully detached homes while still providing sufficient space for small groups of residents. They're particularly suitable for young adults transitioning to independent living or for individuals with moderate support needs who benefit from living in ordinary residential settings. The typical layout with multiple bedrooms across two floors allows for flexible accommodation arrangements, with potential for staff sleeping quarters where needed. These properties are generally well-integrated into established communities, helping to normalise the supported living experience and reduce stigma. Their prevalence in many UK towns and cities makes them a readily available option for providers expanding their services, often requiring minimal adaptations beyond basic accessibility improvements.
Converted Commercial Buildings
Converted former commercial premises such as offices, pubs, or small hotels are increasingly being repurposed for supported living. These conversions can offer unique benefits, including larger communal spaces, multiple bathrooms, and sometimes existing fire safety features. Their previous commercial use often means they're located in accessible areas with good transport links and proximity to amenities. The flexible internal space allows for customised layouts that can incorporate both private living areas and shared facilities specifically designed around residents' needs. While conversion costs can be significant, the resulting properties often perfectly match providers' specifications and can accommodate larger groups of residents with various support needs, making them attractive for long-term leases.
Purpose-Built Apartment Complexes
Purpose-built supported living apartment complexes represent the growing sophistication of the sector. These developments typically feature multiple self-contained flats alongside dedicated staff accommodation, communal areas, and sometimes therapy or activity rooms. Their design incorporates accessibility from the outset, with wider doorways, level access, and adaptable bathroom spaces. Modern developments often include smart home technology to enhance independence while maintaining safety. The clustered nature of these properties allows care providers to offer efficient support to multiple residents while still promoting independence. For investors, these purpose-built schemes often attract premium rents and longer lease terms, though they require significant upfront investment and careful planning to ensure they meet both current regulations and future adaptability requirements.
The demand for specific property types can vary widely by region, provider, and the particular needs of tenants. This variability makes it challenging to generalise the perfect property for supported living. Consequently, investors are advised to have multiple exit strategies to mitigate risk and ensure flexibility in meeting different needs.
Supported living requires a diverse range of property types to cater to the varying needs of its tenants. From one-bedroom flats and bungalows to HMOs, the right property depends on the individual circumstances of the tenants. Understanding these needs and investing accordingly can be complex but ultimately rewarding, offering significant benefits to both tenants and investors.
Supported Living Gateway is a members-only property portal specialising in supported living property investment. If you have properties that you would like to advertise to supported living providers, you can list your properties on our site. Find out more at www.supportedlivinggateway.com.
