EPIC-LIFE: Exploring PoliCies and strategies for efficient use of the existing housing stock to support health and wellbeing across the LIFE-cycle: a co-design project with residents and stakeholders

Housing shortages and low mobility contribute to a problematic housing market affecting health and economic growth. Many older adults live in large homes that often have poor accessibility while families with children live in overcrowded conditions due to a lack of affordable larger homes. Still, housing policy mainly focuses on new construction rather than strategies to better use the exiting housing stock. Our objective is to develop strategies to support relocation chains that lead to efficient utilization of the housing stock and meets the needs of residents.

The initial quantitative study will use register data to explore the housing situation for different segments of the population since 2012 to identify economic and socio-demographic factors related to overcrowding and propensity to move. A qualitative study will deepen the knowledge about problems and develop potential solutions through the co-design of a serious game with stakeholders and residents. This will provide a means to open a dialogue between stakeholders and residents to find feasible strategies to improve the housing market while meeting the needs of residents. The final study will use micro-simulations to evaluate the potential impact of alternative housing market policies that can balance the distribution of housing tenures to reduce overcrowding. Results can play a critical role in guiding future housing, which in turn may lower related social costs and support health, wellbeing, and sustainability.