Vancouver, like much of Canada, is experiencing a demographic shift: a growing share of its residents are older adults entering retirement. This aging trend is reshaping housing demand—from the need for accessible homes to the rise of senior-oriented planning and public policy. Here’s an in-depth look at how aging population trends are influencing Vancouver’s housing market, urban design, real estate development, and public strategy.
1. Vancouver’s Aging Population: The Numbers
- In 2021, 17% of Vancouver’s population was aged 65 or older, and this cohort is growing five times faster than younger groups Daily Hive+1City of Vancouver+1City of Vancouver+1City of Vancouver+1.
- By 2036, the senior share is projected to increase to 21.6%, equating to 94,000 more seniors, including 23,000 more aged 80+ City of Vancouver.
- More than 194,000 residents aged 55+ already live in the city (~30% of Vancouver’s population) and many are aging in place Vancouver Is Awesome+1Vancouver Is Awesome+1.
As senior demographics surge, so does demand for housing that accommodates health, accessibility, proximity, and affordability needs.
Read more: How Foreign Buyer Tax and Speculation Tax Affect Vancouver Real Estate
2. How Aging Influences Housing Demand
2.1 Accessibility and Universal Design
Older homeowners and renters increasingly require:
- Barrier-free designs: step-free entry, wider hallways, accessible bathrooms
- Single-storey or low-rise units for mobility issues
These preferences are shifting development demand toward projects explicitly designed with aging-in-place features.
2.2 Home Type Preferences
Rather than large single-family houses, many seniors opt for:
- Co-living models
- Independent living units
- Supportive and assisted living facilities
This is reflected in rising calls for purpose-built senior housing and community hubs close to transit and services.
2.3 Financial Constraints & Affordability
Many seniors live on fixed incomes:
- In Vancouver, 30% of seniors rent, and 43% of people on the social housing waitlist are aged 55+ The Sun+15City of Vancouver+15Wikipedia+15RedditWikipedia+2Vancouver Is Awesome+2The Real Estate Institute of Canada+2.
- 21% of the unhoused in Vancouver are aged 55 or older, with many first becoming homeless at senior age City of Vancouver.
This creates pressure for affordable, subsidized housing tailored to seniors’ needs.
2.4 Desire to Age in Community
Rather than relocate far from familiar neighborhoods, many seniors want to stay within their communities—with access to transit, medical care, social networks, and amenities.
Redevelopment or renovictions without relocation protections can disrupt this continuity, prompting demand for age-friendly urban housing.
Read more: The Impact of Remote Work on Vancouver Housing Demand
3. Vancouver’s Seniors Housing Strategy & Age-Friendly Policy
3.1 Seniors Housing Strategy (Approved July 2024)
Vancouver City Council approved the city’s first Seniors Housing Strategy, shaping future senior-specific housing planning Vancouver Is AwesomeReddit+9City of Vancouver+9Reddit+9. Core elements include:
- Rezoning policy: Allows more seniors-specific housing across neighbourhoods
- Relocation protections: Ensures seniors in assisted-living or community care aren’t displaced without support
- Updated design guidelines: Focus on dignity, accessibility, and independence
- Provincial partnerships: Advocacy to expand rent assistance programs like SAFER and increase subsidized units Altus Group+12City of Vancouver+12Daily Hive+12Daily Hive+1Reddit+1
3.2 Older Persons Strategic Framework (2025)
In early 2025, Vancouver approved the Older Persons Strategic Framework, which outlines early-action measures such as:
- Pre‑zoning for seniors social housing
- Streetscape improvements: wider sidewalks, curb ramps, longer pedestrian light times
- Digital literacy support and anti-ageism campaigns City of Vancouver+5City of Vancouver+5City of Vancouver+5
4. Senior Housing Supply & Forecasts
4.1 Current Shortages
- Vancouver is projected to lack 300+ subsidized long-term care beds by 2025, and may need 1,500 in the next decade. Assisted living units face similar shortfalls Altus Group+4Vancouver Is Awesome+4Vancouver Is Awesome+4.
- 43% of social housing waitlist applicants are aged 55+ (2,420 in 2023) despite seniors comprising only 30% of population—highlighting a mismatch between supply and need Vancouver Is Awesome+2City of Vancouver+2Vancouver Is Awesome+2.
4.2 Forecast Demand
According to Altus Group data, between 2021–2041, 720 units annually of independent/assisted living and 360 long-term care units annually will be needed in the Vancouver CMA—driven by aging demographics Altus Group.
Domestic investors and developers are increasingly targeting seniors housing as a growth asset class, potentially exceeding returns seen in multifamily rental properties Altus Group.
5. Development Trends & Senior-Friendly Housing Models
5.1 Supportive & Assisted Housing
The city supports supportive housing, which combines housing with services like meals, medication reminders, and mobility assistance. Zoning allows such buildings across nearly all districts, including Gastown or Downtown Eastside City of Vancouver+1Reddit+1.
5.2 Affordable Community Housing Projects
The Vienna House project (Mount Pleasant) is a notable example:
- 123 units for individuals, seniors, families, with 10% accessible units
- Achieves Passive House standards for energy efficiency
- Rents range from $800 to $1,400/month for older adults and low-income residents City of Vancouver+5Reddit+5City of Vancouver+5
5.3 Redevelopment of Existing Senior Housing
City-approved rezoning and new design guidelines are fast-tracking redevelopment of community care and retirement residences, with relocation protections to minimize disruption for residents City of Vancouver+3City of Vancouver+3Shape Your City Vancouver+3.
6. Impacts on the Vancouver Housing Market & Real Estate
6.1 Changing Buyer Demand
- Rising demand for one-level condo units, accessible layouts, and amenity-rich urban buildings
- Seniors prioritize walkable neighborhoods near health services and transit, increasing competition in these corridors
6.2 Developers’ Focus
- Shift toward purpose-built seniors developments: independent living, assisted living, and supportive housing
- Investments redirected from traditional mid-market condos to seniors housing as supply gaps grow
6.3 Market Value & Resilience
Seniors housing assets often offer stable income and long-term tenant demand. Expert reports indicate this sector may outperform other residential asset types in both returns and capital appreciation Daily HiveCity of Vancouver.
7. Social & Economic Challenges
- Many seniors face the risk of displacement or homelessness, especially if rent-subsidy programs are inadequate
- Costs for home support services remain high in BC, making independent aging expensive without subsidies Vancouver Is AwesomeVancouver Is Awesome+1Daily Hive+1
- Limited English proficiency, low income, and lack of tech access restrict seniors’ ability to navigate housing systems
8. Voices from the Community: Reddit Insights
From r/VancouverHousing, an urgent plea:
“Get them on the waitlist asap… open to moving outside of Vancouver otherwise it’s unlikely they’ll be placed within the next 5+ years.”
A family worried their 80-year-old grandmother might lose stable housing as the landlord ages out of tenancy.
Wikipedia+13Reddit+13Vancouver Is Awesome+13
From r/vancouver, regarding supportive housing redevelopment:
“Advocates are applauding the City of Vancouver’s first seniors’ housing strategy… though some say there is still room for improvement.”
Wikipedia+15Reddit+15Vancouver Is Awesome+15
From r/vancouver, personal solutions proposed:
“Shared house situation…but where everyone living together…is seniors, lower income…and willing to live together with peers…this might be the only reasonable situation until permanent senior’s oriented housing can be found.”
Reddit+4Reddit+4Reddit+4
9. What Buyers, Developers, and Policymakers Should Know
For Homebuyers & Investors
- Purpose-built seniors housing remains an under-supplied asset category with growth potential
- Age-friendly design features may demand price premiums or resale advantages
- Older adults seeking housing should apply early to waitlists and research support services availability
For Developers & Planners
- Opportunities exist for mixed-use or seniors-specific projects under new rezoning and supportive policy frameworks
- Working with City-approved design guidelines ensures faster permitting and alignment with age-friendly principles
- Partnerships with BC Housing, local nonprofits, and affordability programs are critical to project viability
For Policymakers & Community Advocates
- Continued investment in senior-specific housing and rent subsidies (e.g., SAFER improvements) is essential
- Ongoing oversight of displacement protections and relocation supports is crucial
- Expansion of supportive housing units and long-term care beds must keep pace with demographic trends
Frequently Asked Questions
How does aging population affect housing?
Canada’s aging demographic drives demand for homes that are accessible, smaller, easier to manage, and located near health services and transit. It also increases demand for seniors-specific housing, such as supportive living, assisted living, and subsidized units Vancouver Is Awesome.
What is the trend in the housing market in Vancouver?
Vancouver faces growing shortages in affordable senior housing, with long waitlists and increased homelessness among older adults. Meanwhile, developers are shifting toward seniors housing developments under the city’s new strategy frameworks .
Does Vancouver have an aging population?
Yes—17% of residents are 65+ as of 2021, and seniors aged 55+ comprise 30% of Vancouver’s population (~194,000 people). This demographic is aging faster and will continue growing over the next decades .
What is the senior housing strategy in Vancouver?
The Seniors Housing Strategy (2024) and Older Persons Strategic Framework (2025) outline policies, zoning changes, relocation protections, design guidelines, and provincial partnerships to expand available senior housing and ensure older residents can age in community with dignity and support .
Conclusion
Vancouver’s aging population is not a distant demographic event—it’s happening now, and it’s fundamentally transforming the city’s housing landscape. With growing demand for senior-friendly housing, affordability pressures, and rising policy attention, developers, policymakers, buyers, and advocates must collaborate to meet current and future needs.
By understanding trends, supporting innovation in age-friendly design, and prioritizing affordability and accessibility, Vancouver can build a housing system that serves residents at every stage of life.
My name is Jay, a longtime Metro Vancouverite sharing local real estate tips and my own photos of the city’s homes and neighbourhoods here on Vancouver Home Hub. Hope you find my blog useful! Feel free to reach out anytime at vancouverhomehub@gmail.com if you have questions.
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