Private longevity spas are being tipped as the next must-have feature in the UK’s prime property market with growing implications for developers, investors and specialist lenders targeting high-value residential schemes.
Demand for integrated wellness spaces is accelerating across the luxury sector, with developers increasingly incorporating advanced recovery and health-focused facilities into new-build and refurbishment projects.
These go beyond traditional home gyms, instead featuring technologies such as cryotherapy chambers, ozone saunas and PEMF systems designed to support long-term health and performance.
According to Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness real estate market reached $584bn in 2024, up from $465bn a year earlier, and is forecast to hit $1.1trn by 2029. The sector is now the fastest-growing segment of the wider wellness economy, accounting for around 3.3% of global construction output.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
This growth is beginning to feed directly into UK development activity, particularly in the prime and super-prime segments where differentiation is key.
For bridging lenders, the trend is creating new opportunities to fund refurbishment, conversion and ground-up development projects that integrate high-spec wellness features as part of a value-add strategy.
Industry commentary suggests the shift is already visible, with high-end developments increasingly including saunas, steam rooms and specialist recovery spaces as standard.
SHARP INCREASE
Ralph Montague, founder of The Longevity Clinic, says he has seen a sharp increase in demand from property professionals looking to embed longevity-focused amenities into rental stock.
He adds: “A huge shift I’ve noticed in the past two or three years is the number of property professionals looking to incorporate home longevity spas into homes they’re planning to rent out.
“For high-net-worth tenants, wellness is no longer just a lifestyle bonus. It is now becoming part of what makes a property feel genuinely premium. They want homes that aren’t just looking good on the eye, but also support sleep, recovery, energy and long-term health.
“For developers and investors, this is a clear opportunity to stand out in the prime rental market.”
