Latest Statistics Mismatch Market Needs

Latest Statistics Mismatch Market Needs

Figures released from Statistics New Zealand this week show a rise in residential building consents by 1.8%, with demand for retirement village units driving the approvals. But the rise in consents is being outstripped by population growth in New Zealand, as it continues to increase at a rate that exceeds dwelling growth.

And with 800,000 people in the next ten years requiring aged-care facilities or appropriately designed homes, the Lifemark™ rating is the solution to this demand.

As dwelling consents rise, Lifemark™ accredited builders, designers and developers cater to New Zealand’s ageing and increasing population byusing Lifemark™ Standards, based on Universal Design principles, to create dwellings that are usable, safe and accessible for all ages and abilities, for a lifetime.

Lifemark™ General Manager Geoff Penrose said: “These new statistics show us again how important it is to provide enough homes that are safe and accessible with the right features for families and an older generation. By 2030 1 in 5 New Zealanders will be 65 or over and it’s vital to develop, design and build with these people in mind.”

“We’re in a construction boom, residential consents are up and more retirement villages are being built. Now we need to push for all kinds of housing, whether residential, social or retirement, to be built to Lifemark™ standards, so they are guaranteed to be usable by everyone and for a long time. The Lifemark™ rating is simple, cost-effective and sustainable and these stats prove that we have a social responsibility to future-proof our country’s properties.”

Case study – Miles Construction

Lifemark™ Partners Miles Construction are currently completing 25 new social housing properties for elderly tenants in Christchurch - Harman Courts, HP Smith Courts and Berwick Courts are all 5-star Lifemark™ builds with a 90-year lifespan. Specific design and accessibility standards will meet tenants' changing needs and the homes contain the following accessible features -

Wet-area showers: Step-free, level-entry showers with non-slip flooring.

Mobility scooter parking: To accommodate those of all abilities.

Wider pathways and doorways: To fit wheelchairs and pushchairs safely and ensure safety with proper lighting.

Higher wall power points: Located at heights that are easy to reach and push for all and clearly accessible.

Landscaped outdoor areas and pathways: Occupants can easily and safely access the property without needing to worry about uneven surfaces or steps.

Case Study – Lockwood Homes

Lifemark™ Partners Lockwood built a Lifemark™ home customised to wheelchair user Jenny McDonald’s needs in Taupo.

Jenny’s house has a lift built in, open plan kitchen area with easily accessible drawers and cooking facilities, wet room and wide corridors and doors.

Lockwood franchises build durable, sustainable eco-friendly homes to withstand any extremes, directly tailored to the lifestyle needed.

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