This might sound like the stuff of speculative design. But it’s a question being quietly echoed in both scientific research and lived experience. Most notably in Building Health Equity, a December 2024 report by UCL’s Institute of Health Equity, led by Professor Sir Michael Marmot. Its message is clear: 

“Health and housing are integrally linked. If our homes do not provide security, safety, quality and belonging, good health is not possible. The twin housing and health crises bring an opportunity for new partnerships between government and the property sector to promote and sustain health equity.” 

Across the UK — and in many countries around the world — poor housing conditions have been consistently linked to poor health. Cold, damp, overcrowded, or insecure homes contribute to higher rates of respiratory illness, anxiety, depression, and even premature death. By contrast, homes that are secure, affordable, warm, and well-designed can act as health interventions in their own right — supporting everything from sleep and stress to long-term physical and mental wellbeing. In other words, where and how you live isn’t just a lifestyle choice. It’s a public health issue.  

We often think of inequality in terms of income or healthcare. But housing is a quieter, more persistent layer — one that shapes our lives in ways we may not fully realise. It’s the environment we live in every day, and over time, it leaves a deep imprint on our health and wellbeing. 

Earlier this year, we asked our This Curious Life Voice community a simple question, “Do you believe your home will meet your health needs in ten years?” Only 22% said yes with confidence.

Even more striking: among renters, only 38% felt their current home met their health needs — compared to 61.9% of homeowners. People spoke of cold bedrooms, inaccessible stairs, damp kitchens, relentless noise, and rents that left them in a constant state of stress. And overwhelmingly, there was a sense that health is missing from the housing conversation. 

There was strong support for the idea that people should be able to know how healthy — or harmful — a potential home might be. But when we asked who they would trust to tell them that? Fewer than 5% said estate agents. Nearly 70% said they would prefer an independent assessor. Trust and transparency matter because health isn’t just about hospitals — it’s about the home you return to every day.  

The Building Blocks of a Healthier Home 

From the social determinants side, the score might include: 

1. Affordability — Is it financially sustainable for the occupant? 
2. Tenure security — Can people stay long-term without fear of eviction? 
3. Neighbourhood access — Proximity to healthcare, schools, transport, social support 
4. Safety and connection — Is the community walkable, welcoming, and safe? 
5. Green space and mobility — Parks, paths, and breathing room 

From the exposome perspective, it could assess: 

1. Indoor air quality — Mould, pollutants, allergens 
2. Thermal comfort — Is the home warm in winter and cool in summer? 
3. Natural light exposure — For mood regulation and circadian health 
4. Noise pollution — Chronic stress from traffic or overcrowding 
5. Toxins and materials — The chemicals in carpets, paints, or furniture 
6. What you breathe, what you hear, what surrounds you, these aren’t small things. They’re daily exposures — and over years, they shape how long and how well we live. 

A Glimpse of the Future? 

A “health score” for housing may sound futuristic — but so did energy efficiency ratings once.  Now, imagine this, you’re scrolling through a property listing, and alongside the EPC and council tax band, you see a set of new indicators: 

1. Health Score — How well the home supports physical and mental wellbeing 
2. Longevity Score — How likely the living environment is to promote a longer, healthier life 
3. Affordability Score — Tailored to different income levels, not just averages 
4. Security Score — A measure of tenure stability and rental protection 
5. Environmental Exposure Score — Assessing noise, light, air, and indoor toxins 
6. Neighbourhood Vitality Score — Reflecting access to green space, walkability, and social infrastructure 

 Each score rooted in real science — the social determinants of health and the exposome — but translated into something practical, readable, and human. Suddenly, you’re not just buying a postcode. You’re buying a future — of better sleep, fewer colds, lower anxiety, longer life. And for once, you’d have the information to choose a home that doesn’t just look good on paper — but actually supports your health for years to come. 

Designing for a Longer, Better Life 

This isn’t about luxury. It’s about dignity. A society that builds homes not just to maximise returns, but to maximise human potential. And it’s not theoretical. In countries like Finland and parts of Canada, housing is being treated as a form of preventive medicine — an upstream investment that keeps people healthier, longer. As Professor Marmot has said again and again: “Housing is a foundational determinant of health. Beyond mere shelter, housing conditions profoundly impact health outcomes, with substandard living environments contributing to a myriad of health risks.”  

The question now is: what if we actually acted on that? Maybe the next frontier in housing isn’t more space or smart tech. Maybe it’s a quiet revolution in how we see homes — not just as assets, but as places that shape our health, our security, and our future selves. Maybe it’s time that, when we browse for a new place to live, we don’t just ask, What’s the price? But also, Will this place help me live well? Will it help me live longer?