26 Real Estate Investment 2022 The senior living sector The opportunity In the UK there’s recently been a shift in public perceptions about senior living schemes, creating increased demand for new purposebuilt developments. Changing demographics, a move towards positive ageing, and wider demand to address housing supply within the UK will undoubtedly further fuel this demand for new senior living developments in the future. Knight Frank recently confirmed that a record £1.3 billion was spent within the UK senior housing market in 2020 due to institutional investors recognising the potential for growth within the sector and the quality income streams available. In the next five years they expect to see a race to scale and brand building from some of the early movers to create management platforms with operational efficiencies, and the number of specialist senior housing units across the UK grow by around 10%. Reform rather than abolition is the response to the Law Commission’s 2017 report on event fees in retirement properties. Increased regulation and clarity around the use of these fees will create opportunities for incorporating investment models.