Affordability and permanence

What do we mean when we say affordability and permanence?

Affordability and permanence refers to the cost of living in a neighbourhood and the sense of rootedness we have to where we live, whether we are a homeowner or tenant. This means considering how much rent, bills and mortgages cost, and also the sense of stability that results from knowing we can pay these costs and have a future where we live. Permanency can also be defined by our ability to adapt our homes to changing needs. Adaption can actively support us to live either independently or interdependently, where principles of inclusive design enable us to gain greater control and feel less pressured to move out of established communities.

Feeling secure within our homes is vital to our wellbeing. That means having homes and neighbourhoods that provide affordable, long-term housing with security of tenure. This relates to the quality of housing and to its affordability, security and permanence. These are some of the attractions of home ownership, even though they can be illusory for a mortgage-dependent family struggling to meet their monthly payments. A sense of control can be even more of a challenge in rented housing, particularly in the private rented sector.

Currently, housing presents another challenge in the form of life-long accessibility and adaptability. Homes for people who have mobility issues or that are adapted for older residents are difficult to come by. Homes that are designed to consider how residents will have changing access and mobility needs, through adaptable and considerate design and layout options, can give residents a better sense of security as they get older.

How does this affect health and wellbeing?

Roughly 17.5 million people are impacted by the housing emergency according to Shelter England [11] and 4 million of these people say they are worried about losing or having to leave their homes. This contributes to a nationwide feeling of insecurity. Some people may also feel trapped where they live; people seek permanence and security in their tenures but also need the opportunity to move when desired or needed. ‘Un-elective fixity’ refers to the feeling of being ‘trapped’ in a home or neighbourhood that is inadequate, and this can exacerbate mental ill health. [12]

Fuel poverty, alongside rent arrears and being behind on mortgage payments, can result in circumstances that affect the development and exacerbation of mental ill health, including depression, anxiety and stress. [13] This is particularly true in the case of evictions, legal processes around loans, and wider insecurity of tenure where the likelihood of being asked to move can also make it difficult for people to feel settled in their home.[14]

Case study

A sense of control: LILAC (Low Impact Affordable Living Community), Leeds

LILAC is a co-housing community of 20 households, managed through a Mutual Home Ownership Society, a financial model that ensures long-term affordability, shared ownership and control over the management of the development.