The design and quality of homes and neighbourhoods is a key contributor to the health and wellbeing of the people who live there, and almost 30% of buyers and renters would pay more for properties with those qualities.
These are the major findings of a report produced by the UK Green Building Council, under WorldGBC’s Better Places for People campaign.
It’s hoped the report, Health and Wellbeing in Homes – which provides evidence and recommendations for the property industry – will help improve the mental, social and physical health and wellbeing of home occupiers.
According to the report, there are 18 factors that make up a healthy home, ranging from lighting, sound insulation and materials through to connections with the local community and practical considerations such as having laundry provision to prevent the build-up of moisture and mould.
The report found that construction and property professionals have an opportunity to enhance people’s lives dramatically through the design and quality of homes and neighbourhoods.
The authors argue it’s vital to consider all three aspects of health and wellbeing equally – mental, social and physical – and that the industry must think beyond the physical impact of design.
Solutions for minimising the impact of the built environment on mental health are often the same as those required to minimise the impact on physical health. A single design feature, such as good daylight levels, good ventilation or the provision of open space, can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing and physical health, and must be considered early in the design process.
Many of the design features that enhance health and wellbeing also bring positive environmental benefits. For example, better daylighting can also reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, and the provision of green space can enhance biodiversity.
Health and wellbeing are increasingly influencing consumers’ buying and decision-making processes, across generations and consumer demographics.
Research suggests that UK consumers want a home that contributes to their health and wellbeing, and that almost 30% would be willing to pay more for such a home – whether buying or renting.
Health and Wellbeing in Homes is the latest in a series of reports published under the Better Places for People campaign. It follows on from Health, Wellbeing and Productivity in Offices and Health, Wellbeing and Productivity in Retail. The full report is available to download here.
Click here to find out more about the Better Places for People campaign.
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