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The challenges in housing our seniors

September 24, 2024

The challenges in providing affordable, quality housing for the elderly amidst volatile insurance markets.
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The recent letter from the National Real Estate and Housing Associations to the Biden Administration highlights a critical issue affecting our industry: the unsustainable rise in insurance premiums. This letter captures the challenges we face in providing affordable, quality housing amidst volatile insurance markets. Recognizing the gravity of this situation, this article explores the impact and discusses potential solutions.

Understanding the challenge

The letter emphasizes the impact of rising insurance costs on property operations and the ability to deliver on the shortage of housing. For senior living developers specifically, these challenges are particularly acute. With the senior population expected to increase by over 40% by 2030, there is an urgent need to expand senior housing inventory. However, high-interest rates and increasing insurance costs pose significant barriers.

Commitment to support

We understand the unique challenges faced by senior living developers. Specifically, our recent article on Builder’s Risk Insurance for wood frame senior housing developments provides insights into the current market landscape, including trends, challenges, and opportunities. The paper highlights that despite the increase in fire losses in 2023, there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic about the stabilization of base rates due to increased market capacity and competition among MGAs.

Supporting senior living developers

  1. Specialized teams: At WTW, we are making significant investments in hyper-specialized teams that focus exclusively in the wood frame development space. We believe this specialization is key to offering our clients best-in-class rates and tailored solutions. Our specialized teams are dedicated to understanding the unique risks and challenges associated with wood frame construction, ensuring that you receive the most informed and effective support.
  2. Risk mitigation and management: Proactive risk management is crucial. We work closely with developers to implement site specific best-in-class risk mitigation practices, including site protection and water damage mitigation plans. These measures not only reduce risk but also make projects more attractive to insurers.
  3. Educational resources: We provide resources and guidance to help senior living developers navigate the complexities of the current insurance market. Understanding the nuances of Builders Risk insurance and implementing effective risk management strategies can make a significant difference.
  4. Advocacy and policy support: We are committed to advocating for policy changes that support housing providers. Our involvement in industry groups aims to address the systemic issues highlighted in the letter, including the need for a more robust insurance and reinsurance market.

A collaborative approach

WTW stands ready to assist senior living developers in navigating these challenging times. By partnering with WTW, you gain access to our extensive resources, specialized teams, industry expertise, and commitment to finding innovative and sustainable solutions. Together, we can address the critical need for senior housing and ensure a stable future for your developments.

We invite you to reach out to our team to discuss how we can support your specific needs and help mitigate the impacts of rising insurance costs. Let us work together to build a sustainable future for senior housing.

Disclaimer

Willis Towers Watson hopes you found the general information provided in this publication informative and helpful. The information contained herein is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with your own legal advisors. In the event you would like more information regarding your insurance coverage, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. In North America, Willis Towers Watson offers insurance products through licensed subsidiaries of Willis North America Inc., including Willis Towers Watson Northeast Inc. (in the United States) and Willis Canada, Inc.

Contacts

Multifamily Lead, Construction
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Wayne Wills
WTW Senior Living Industry Segment Leader, North America

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