Place mental health at heart of design and build, says Quality of Life poll

Originally published by EG News, 6 May 2020

Property should place mental health and wellbeing at the heart of the design and build process, with research showing less than half of all 18–24-year-olds are happy living in their town or city.

According to a nationwide poll of 1,000 people conducted by the Quality of Life Foundation, 48% of 18–24-year-olds living in urban areas were satisfied with their home, compared to 65% in rural areas.

The poll was conducted during the coronavirus pandemic, while millions have found themselves in lockdown in their homes.

The study found only 10% of homeowners were dissatisfied, while 23% of renters were not happy with their living conditions.

The Quality of Life Foundation said property needs to consider how homes can be designed and built better to improve residents’ quality of life.

Professor Sadie Morgan, founder of the Quality of Life Foundation, said: “The built environment is fundamental to people’s quality of life. Only now, as we are all forced to spend more time in our homes and immediate neighbourhoods, are we beginning to appreciate the impact they can have on our physical and mental wellbeing.

“The research will be pivotal in gaining an understanding of how people feel about the places in which they live, so that in future we can create thriving, healthy and sustainable places that have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing and the environment.”