Disabled and older renters in the UK’s Private Rented Sector face significant challenges finding and accessing suitable accommodation, says Propertymark.
Crisis in Suitable Homes for Older and Disabled Renters
Key Findings
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867,000 households headed by someone aged 55+ live in the private rented sector.
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The number of 55+ households renting privately has grown by 70% since 2010/11.
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Nearly half of tenants aged 65+ fall into the bottom 20% of household incomes.
Availability of Bungalows (UK-wide)
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There were 19,161 bungalows to rent between April 2024–2025, down from 20,138 the previous year (a 4.9% drop, nearly 1,000 homes).
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Bungalows are a critical housing type for mobility, accessibility, and age-friendly living.
Regional Disparities in Availability (April 2025)
| Region | Available Bungalows |
|---|---|
| West Midlands | 110 |
| Scotland | 66 |
| Northern Ireland | 35 |
| East of England | 298 |
| South East | 284 |
| Cornwall (Jan–Apr) | 114 |
| Nottingham (Jan–Apr) | 164 |
Cornwall, a popular retirement destination, had fewer accessible rental options than Nottingham, which has a smaller population.
City-by-City Year-on-Year Changes
| City | 2024–25 | 2023–24 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner London | 179 | 169 | +5.9% |
| Birmingham | 230 | 240 | -4.2% |
| Manchester | 143 | 141 | +1.4% |
| Glasgow | 69 | 86 | -19.8% |
| Newcastle | 217 | 300 | -27.7% |
| Sheffield | 171 | 198 | -13.6% |
| Bristol | 251 | 259 | -3.1% |
| Cardiff | 137 | 171 | -19.9% |
| Nottingham | 523 | 513 | +1.9% |
| Carlisle | 111 | 115 | -3.5% |
| Exeter | 393 | 389 | +1% |
| Lincoln | 239 | 284 | -15.8% |
| Blackpool | 142 | 167 | -15% |
| Brighton | 429 | 488 | -12.1% |
Key Concerns from Propertymark
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Unsuitable housing makes it harder for older and disabled people to age in place or relocate in retirement.
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Popular areas for retirement like Cornwall and Devon are seeing fewer appropriate rentals come to market.
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The shrinking supply combined with rising demand is placing financial and physical strain on vulnerable tenants.
Call to Action
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark:
“We urgently need the attention of all Governments… Planning policy and housing strategies must recognise and meet the needs of older and disabled renters.”
Propertymark calls for:
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Planning reform to prioritise accessible and age-appropriate homes.
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National and devolved governments to ensure supply meets demand, especially in coastal and rural areas.
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Greater attention to the PRS’s role in providing long-term housing for vulnerable tenants.
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