THE government has been urged to shift its focus from first-time to older property buyers.

Property experts warn that current housing policy does not reflect the demand from over 60-year-olds looking for homes.

Delegates at a conference held by the housing law firm Winckworth Sherwood were asked if they thought the government’s focus on first-time buyers is misplaced. The majority – 60 per cent – agreed, while only ten per cent supported the focus on first-time buyers.

Charlotte Cook, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood, said: “By 2020 it is estimated that there will be some 20 million people aged over 60. Even now, there are more over 60s in the UK than there are under 18s. The Government’s housing policy does not reflect that. And whilst social housing providers and local government are responding, much greater choice of housing and tenure is needed.”

She went on to call for better quality housing for older people that reflected their wish for a good lifestyle, not just care facilities.

“When considering a home in later life, people look for very much the same things as when buying a first or family home – space, location, access to friends and family, outdoor space, transparency in relation to service charges.

“The one thing they do not want is the feeling or appearance of an old people's property or care home.”

When asked if they thought the design of housing developments often did not take account of the needs of older people, 90 per cent of the delegates agreed. They called for housing providers to work with older buyers to help create flexible living spaces that catered to a wider range of ages and needs.