With the implementation of “stay at home” measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, people soon realised that their homes were to become their immediate surroundings for the next several months. Their homes became their office, leisure place, a day-care centre for children, as well as a place to receive health and social care. All of these scenarios were manageable for some of us, for others however, their daily routine was threatened due to the condition of their homes. Indeed, according to the Centre for Ageing Better, “4.3 million homes in England are classified as non-decent homes”. According to the World Health Organization, the quality of housing has major implications for people’s health; nonetheless, “80% of our housing stock is not suitable for independent living, efforts need to focus on adapting the existing housing stock, as new construction only represents about 1% of the total housing stock” according to Housing Europe. If not adapted, housing can exacerbate existing chronic health conditions, and also jeopardise the wellbeing of its inhabitants.

Homes4Life partners promote “a society where your house is truly your home. A supportive, enabling environment that helps you realise your full personal and social potential. A society where such houses are within reach for Europeans of all ages, regardless of income, gender, race or ethnic background, sexual orientation, health status, or disability”.

The “Cities and regions building homes for life” workshop presents the context which led to the development of the new Homes4Life European Certification Scheme for Ageing in Place, a useful tool to foster the “homes for all life” approach from the housing policies and the collaboration between the different key stakeholders (e.g. architects, construction sector, decision makers, tenants, and social housing organisations). The workshop will also be the opportunity to listen to participants of the pilot project currently engaged in the testing of the Certification Scheme.