Housing Needs Assessment
Independent assessment of whether a property meets someone's needs, and what would need to change — supporting rehousing, adaptation or funding applications.
This is a specialist service offered where your local occupational therapist's training and scope of practice cover housing assessments — check availability for your area on the county page.
What it is
A housing needs assessment looks at whether a current or prospective property genuinely meets someone's needs — access, layout, bathing and sleeping arrangements — and what would need to change if it does not. It is often used to support a housing association, council or family decision about adapting, moving, or applying for funding.
Who it helps
- People whose current home no longer suits their needs
- Families considering a move and wanting an independent, professional view
- Housing associations and landlords needing an OT assessment to support a decision
- Anyone preparing evidence for a housing or adaptation funding application
What a home visit involves
- A full walk-through assessment of the property against the person's needs
- Identifying what could be resolved by adaptation versus what genuinely requires a move
- A clear, professional written report suitable for sharing with a housing provider
- Practical next steps agreed with you before the visit ends
What this can achieve
- An independent, evidence-based view of housing suitability
- A report that can support funding, adaptation or rehousing applications
- Clarity between families and housing providers on what is actually needed
- A realistic, prioritised route forward rather than an open-ended list
See this service in your area
Find your local occupational therapist and see current pricing for Housing Needs Assessment.
Other services
Frequently asked questions
Who carries out the Housing Needs Assessment visit?
A qualified, HCPC-registered occupational therapist covering your area carries out the assessment and any follow-up visits in person, at your home.
How is Housing Needs Assessment priced?
Your occupational therapist confirms their fee for Housing Needs Assessment before you book — see our prices page for current guide pricing.
Will I get anything in writing?
Where relevant, you'll receive a written summary or report of the visit, agreed with you at the outset — particularly for equipment recommendations, adaptations or reports for a third party.
What happens after the first visit?
Your occupational therapist will agree next steps with you directly — this might be a follow-up visit, a set of recommendations to action yourself, or referral on if something falls outside their scope.