Accessible homes are a national infrastructure gap

There are 16 million disabled people in the UK. Yet fewer than one in eight homes in England have the key accessibility features someone with access needs requires just to visit. That is around 13%.

This is not a niche issue. It is a national infrastructure gap that affects dignity, family connection and the ability to leave hospital safely.

Why visitability matters

A visitable home means someone can get through the front door, use a toilet and spend time in a living area without barriers.

When a home is not visitable

Disabled family members and friends cannot visit for birthdays, meals or everyday connection.

People are stuck in hospital longer because their own home or a relative's home is not safe to return to.

Carers and support networks are stretched further because the physical environment creates extra work.

The scale of the problem

The Centre for Ageing Better reports that fewer than one in eight homes in England meet basic visitability standards. That means millions of homes are effectively closed to disabled people.

The 2021 Census for England and Wales found that 17.8% of people were disabled. This is not a small minority. It is nearly one in five of the population.

What accessible features make a difference

Level or ramped access at the main entrance

A ground floor toilet that is usable for someone with mobility needs

Wide enough doorways and circulation space

Step free routes between the entrance, toilet and main living area

These are not luxury additions. They are the minimum for a home to be open to everyone.

Evidence and links

Centre for Ageing Better Accessible Homes Factsheet 2025 Supports the data on visitability and the scale of the accessible housing gap in England.

Scope disability facts and figures Supports the 16 million disabled people statistic and the broader case for inclusive design.

ONS Census 2021 disability bulletin Supports the 17.8% disability prevalence figure for England and Wales.

Your next step

If your home needs adaptation work, our assessment is the first step. It is free, takes about 15 minutes and gives you a clear, personalised plan.