The UK’s private rented sector is failing to keep pace with the needs of an ageing population, as the number of suitable homes for older and disabled renters continues to decline, according to new analysis from Propertymark.
The professional body for estate and letting agents has raised concerns over a growing mismatch between supply and demand for age-appropriate rental accommodation – particularly single-storey homes such as bungalows – amid a sharp increase in older households renting privately.
Data from the National Housing Federation shows that nearly 867,000 households headed by someone aged 55 or over now live in the private rented sector.
Since 2010–11, the number of renters in this age group has increased by 70%, reflecting long-term demographic and housing tenure shifts. Nearly half of tenants aged 65 or above fall within the lowest 20% of household incomes, underlining the affordability constraints many face when seeking suitable, accessible housing.
BUNGALOW DECLINE
Despite this, the supply of privately rented bungalows—widely regarded as a key housing type for those with limited mobility – has declined. Propertymark’s research found a year-on-year fall of nearly 5% in the number of bungalows available to rent across the UK, equating to a net reduction of close to 1,000 properties.
Between April 2024 and April 2025, 19,161 rental bungalows were listed, compared with 20,138 over the same period the previous year.
Regional data highlights marked disparities in availability. In April 2025, just 110 bungalows were available to rent in the West Midlands, 66 in Scotland, and 35 in Northern Ireland. In contrast, the East of England and South East recorded higher supply levels, with 298 and 284 bungalows listed respectively.
RELOCATION FLEXIBILITY
This shortage has direct implications for relocation flexibility in later life, particularly in traditional retirement destinations.
Cornwall and Devon, both popular with older renters seeking coastal living, had relatively low volumes of new rental bungalow listings. From January to April 2025, Cornwall recorded only 114 listings in the sector. By comparison, Nottingham – a smaller city by population – saw 164 bungalows listed over the same period.
With demand from older renters expected to continue rising, Propertymark has called attention to the structural imbalance in the market and the pressing need for policy responses that support the development and retention of accessible rental homes across all regions of the UK.
LONG-STANDING CONCERNS
Nathan Emerson, Chief Executive of Propertymark, says: “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.
“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.”
