Bungalow shortage hits older and disabled tenants – Propertymark

A critical lack of bungalows in the UK’s private rented sector is creating barriers for older and disabled tenants seeking suitable accommodation, Propertymark says.

Research from the National Housing Federation reveals that approximately 867,000 households led by individuals aged 55 or older live in privately rented properties.

Since 2010/11, this figure has surged by 70%, with nearly half of renters aged 65 or older falling within the lowest 20% of household incomes.

Propertymark’s nationwide study points to a 5% annual decline in available bungalows, resulting in a loss of nearly 1,000 homes.

Between April 2024 and April 2025, only 19,161 bungalows were listed for rent, down from 20,138 the previous year.

Lack of homes to rent

Propertymark’s chief executive, Nathan Emerson, said: “The concern surrounding the lack of available homes to rent in comparison to growing demand from tenants is long-standing and especially affects renters on a lower income, the older population and those with disabilities.

“We can see that year on year, across the board, there has been a significant downturn in the number of bungalows available to rent, which are crucial in the adaptation for those with disabilities and older renters.”

He added: “The private rented sector plays an important role in housing the nation and without a significant increase in the number of homes of all types to rent, rent levels will remain higher and, in turn, put financial pressure on those it is designed to help.

“We urgently need the attention of all governments to ensure planning policy and housing strategies recognise housing needs across the country and older people, whether renting or right-sizing, can access suitable housing.”

Regional supply disparity

Regional disparities highlight the issue’s severity – in April, the West Midlands offered just 110 bungalows, Scotland had 66 and Northern Ireland recorded 35.

In contrast, the East of England and South East provided 298 and 284, respectively.

The scarcity particularly affects retirees hoping to relocate to desirable areas like Cornwall and Devon.

From January to April 2025, Cornwall listed only 114 bungalows, while Nottingham, with a smaller population, had 164 available.

City-level data further illustrates the trend with Newcastle saw a 27.7% drop in bungalows, from 300 to 217, while Glasgow and Cardiff experienced declines of 19.8% and 19.9%, respectively.

Inner London, however, saw a 5.9% increase, from 169 to 179.

Other cities like Birmingham, Sheffield and Brighton reported reductions, while Nottingham and Exeter noted slight rises.

Share This Article