Investor appetite turns to U.K. social care sector

The social care sector is increasingly catching the interest of U.K. investors, according to a new report from Downing.

A pool of U.K. pension schemes, collectively representing more than £102 billion ($11.5 billion) in assets under management, was surveyed. It was found that the majority — 84 percent — expect institutional investors to increase their exposure to the social care sector. The biggest drivers of investment in the sector are an aging demographic, better diagnosis of needs, regulatory improvements and the development of more effective systems for monitoring service quality.

Downing also found that the provision of dementia care is expected to see the greatest increase in institutional investment over the next five years. This was followed by residential care homes for adults with physical, mental and learning difficulties, then residential care homes for adults with other complex needs.

“There is a huge need for new investment into the social