New Zealand’s Ageing Population is Reshaping Housing Needs – and Universal Design is Leading the Way
New Zealand’s Ageing Population is Reshaping Housing Needs – and Universal Design is Leading the Way
As New Zealand’s population continues to age, the need for homes that support ageing in place is becoming more urgent. According to the latest subnational population projections from Stats NZ, the Thames-Coromandel District stands out: by 2053, nearly half of its residents (46%) are expected to be aged 65 or older. That’s up from 34% in 2023 – already the highest proportion in the country.
This demographic shift isn’t unique to Thames-Coromandel. Most regions across Aotearoa are projected to see significant increases in their 65+ populations over the next three decades. Nationally, the number of people aged 65 and over is expected to reach 1.5 million by the early 2050s, accounting for nearly a quarter of the population.
Planning for this future means rethinking how we design homes.
Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) has been ahead of the curve. Since 2016, they’ve actively incentivised Universal Design – a set of principles that make homes safer, more accessible, and more adaptable for people of all ages and abilities. Today, around 50% of new dwellings in the district voluntarily meet Universal Design criteria. That means more residents are already living in homes that support mobility, independence, and comfort as they age.
Universal Design isn’t just about accessibility – it’s about dignity, flexibility, and future-proofing. Features like step-free entrances, wider doorways, and easy-to-use fittings benefit everyone, from young families to older adults. And when these features are built in from the start, they reduce the need for costly retrofits later on.
At Lifemark®, we’ve seen how Universal Design can transform lives. Our certification process helps builders and developers create homes that meet high standards for usability and safety – supporting people to live independently for longer.
As the population ages, the question isn’t whether we need more Universally Designed homes, it’s how quickly we can build them. Thames-Coromandel offers a compelling example of what’s possible when local leadership, community needs, and smart design come together.
For councils, developers, and homeowners across New Zealand, now is the time to plan for ageing in place – and Universal Design is the blueprint.
