Annalise Johns – Associate Director IHUL

Introduction: The Vital Link Between Housing and Health

In 2025, the connection between housing and health is no longer a niche topic. It is now a central conversation within urban development, climate change adaptation, and public health policy. Despite being a well-established issue for over a century, the recent decade has seen a resurgence of focus on how our homes impact our physical and mental well-being. As urban growth continues, and climate change intensifies, the urgency to address the health implications of housing has never been more critical.

This blog will explore how this sector has evolved in the last decade, driven by growing research, advancements in housing materials and construction methods, and a heightened awareness of the importance of occupant health.

The Impact of Housing on Health: A Long-Recognized Concern

It has long been acknowledged that housing quality can significantly impact health. Poor housing conditions contribute to a wide array of health issues, ranging from respiratory diseases like asthma to cardiovascular diseases, and even mental health challenges. For instance, inadequate ventilation, poor thermal quality, and the presence of damp and mould have been linked to respiratory issues, while the stress of insecure housing or homelessness can exacerbate mental health struggles.

Research has shown that poor-quality homes, often marked by insufficient insulation, ventilation, or moisture control, not only lead to physical health problems but can also increase stress and anxiety. In 2022, housing expenditure accounted for the single largest household expense in many OECD and EU countries, averaging around 22% of total household spending. The stress of managing housing costs, combined with the health impacts of substandard living conditions, can further strain individuals’ well-being.

In cities like London, the housing crisis is starkly evident: there are 50% more people sleeping rough compared to a decade ago, while over 300,000 people remain on the waiting list for council housing. This disparity highlights the deepening connection between housing, insecurity, and health—issues that, if left unaddressed, will continue to plague public health.

Urbanization and Its Effect on Our Relationship with Housing

Our relationship with housing is evolving alongside rapid urbanization. With the global shift towards city living, it is estimated that people now spend over 90% of their time indoors, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift, combined with the rise in remote work and increased screen time, means that the quality of our homes has never been more crucial.

During the pandemic, poor housing conditions became even more apparent, with research showing that people living in substandard homes, often with poor ventilation or overcrowding, were disproportionately affected by COVID-19. In some cases, the poor indoor air quality and the stress of inadequate housing led to worse outcomes during the pandemic.

Emerging Solutions: Innovations in Housing and Health

The last decade has seen significant strides in addressing these challenges, with the housing sector undergoing two key transformations. Firstly, there has been a push towards improving the performance of homes, making them more energy-efficient, resilient to climate change, and circular in design. Innovations in building materials and methods are helping create homes that not only perform better but also have lower environmental footprints.

Secondly, there has been an increase in research into the links between housing quality and occupant health. This includes a focus on energy efficiency, ventilation, and sustainable building practices that aim to prevent a range of diseases—from asthma to cardiovascular issues.

For example, the Plymouth Living Lab1, a pioneering initiative, collects real-time physiological data from wearables and patient information to help diagnose early conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary issues, and neurological diseases. Such innovations have the potential to revolutionize how we approach the health impacts of housing. Similarly, companies like Zehnder Group UK are addressing the UK’s housing stock’s ongoing problems with damp, mould, and ventilation, helping to reduce the risks associated with poor indoor air quality.

Legislative Changes and Building Regulation Updates

In the UK, 2021 saw pivotal updates to building regulations, with a focus on improving indoor ventilation design and installation. These updates were crucial in raising the

standard for both new and existing homes, ensuring that they provide healthier living environments for occupants.2

The UK government has also pledged to deliver a significant increase in social and affordable housing, making it a priority to not only build more homes but also ensure they meet modern standards for health and energy efficiency. These efforts are aligned with broader commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in the UK’s landmark legislation passed in 2019.

The Role of Technology and Data in Shaping the Future of Homes

The integration of advanced technology in housing is another critical development in this sector. AI and data analytics are being used to predict and prevent housing issues that could impact health, such as malfunctioning boilers, damp, and mould. These technologies are transforming how we manage and maintain homes, especially within the social housing sector.3

Predictive technologies allow for early detection of issues before they become serious health hazards. For example, AI can forecast when a boiler will fail, identify signs of damp, or alert authorities to security concerns, enabling faster interventions. This proactive approach is not only cost-effective but also helps to create healthier, more sustainable homes.

Conclusion: Housing as a Determinant of Health and Future Innovations

As we look to the future, the convergence of health, housing, and sustainability will continue to shape the way we design, build, and maintain our homes. The growing body of research, combined with advances in technology and building practices, offers hope that we can prevent the negative health outcomes associated with poor-quality housing.

This month, the Institute focuses on the growing impact that healthy homes have on urban living. Through improvements in home energy performance, climate resilience, and occupant health, we are paving the way for a future where homes not only protect us from the elements but actively support our well-being. The innovations we see today—from real-time health monitoring to predictive maintenance—signal a future where housing truly becomes a cornerstone of public health.