Despite the 2024 results of our research pointing to a static picture at a national level in relation to the planning scores, a number of new entrants have made their way into the top fifteen of our seniors housing opportunity rankings.

This year saw five new entrants within the private ranking, including Wandsworth and Elmbridge; now ranking third and fourth respectively.

Other new entrants include Mole Valley (11th), Chichester (13th) and Brentwood (14th). Of particular note are Mole Valley and Chichester which have rocketed into the top fifteen in 2024, having ranked 190th and 239th in 2022.

Both have strong underlying demographic and housing market fundamentals, but a significantly improved planning policy position between 2022 and 2024 (from D to A) has underpinned their move up the rankings.

The number of London boroughs appearing in the top fifteen in the private opportunity area rankings continues to increase, from two in 2020 to seven in 2024.