A housing crisis is looming for Britain’s ageing population, according to a recently launched report. <br> <br> Professor Michael Ball of Henley Business School at the University of Reading has warned in his report – Housing markets and independence in old age: expanding the opportunities – that there are only 100,000 specialist private retirement homes in the UK, and by 2033, there will be an extra 3.5 million households aged over 65 years. <br> <br> Ball said that owner occupied retirement housing (OORH) – as it is referred to in the report – purchased on a lease basis and fit-for-purpose, could help avert the impending housing shortage. He added that this type of housing enjoys high levels of customer satisfaction – 92% of OORH residents were happy with their accommodation. <br> <br> However, he noted in his report that policy restrictions on housing and planning were preventing OORH from meeting demand. <br> <br> The report suggests policy changes to encourage OORH delivery. These include: <br> <br> ■ More national strategic guidance on housing for the elderly <br> <br> ■ Treat OORH as a form of affordable housing <br> <br> ■ Promote a better understanding among local councils of OORH’s benefits …