More homes in England are affected by damp, mould or condensation than have large screen TVs, according to new analysis from the Centre for Ageing Better.

The data reveals that six million homes suffer from these issues, compared to an estimated five million homes with televisions over 50 inches.

Published as part of the Centre’s State of Ageing 2025 report, the findings expose widespread housing decency failures, especially among older homeowners.

“Too many people are living in homes that have mould, or are damp and cold, putting their health and wellbeing at risk,” said Dr Carole Easton OBE, Chief Executive of the Centre for Ageing Better.

One in four homes in England is classed as non-decent, with 7.5 million people living in unsafe conditions.

Nearly a third (31%) of those affected are aged 55 or over. Damp and poorly insulated homes are linked to serious health problems such as respiratory illness, heart disease and falls—risks that increase with age.

Regional disparities are stark.

Older homeowners in the East Midlands are twice as likely to live in non-decent homes as those in London.