Propertymark has raised concerns over a growing shortage of suitable rental homes for older and disabled tenants, warning that supply is failing to keep pace with rising demand across the private rented sector.
The organisation said the declining availability of bungalows and retirement properties is creating increasing pressure for older renters, disabled tenants and households looking to downsize later in life.
According to the figures, almost 867,000 households headed by someone aged 55 or over now live in England’s private rented sector, with demand expected to rise further over the next decade as the population ages. Households headed by someone aged 65 or over are forecast to increase by more than 22% by 2032, while households headed by someone aged 85 or over are projected to rise by more than 42%.
Despite this, industry research carried out by Propertymark found the supply of privately rented bungalows and retirement properties has continued to decline. The number of such homes rented fell from 17,225 in 2024 to 17,083 in 2025, following a wider decline from 17,827 recorded in 2023.
The research also highlighted regional differences in supply. Nottingham recorded a fall in listings from 538 to 494 properties, while Sheffield declined from 202 to 166 and Manchester from 173 to 167.
Some areas recorded increases, including Brighton, where listings rose from 513 to 566, Exeter from 417 to 446, Newcastle from 277 to 310 and Inner London from 265 to 289.
Propertymark said the figures underline growing inconsistencies in access to suitable rental housing across the country, particularly in locations popular with retirees and older households.
The organisation warned that a lack of accessible rental homes could reduce mobility and independence for older renters, especially those on fixed or lower incomes, while also adding pressure to wider housing supply.
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, said: “The private rented sector is playing an increasingly important role in housing older people, yet the supply of suitable and accessible homes is simply not keeping pace with demographic change.
“While some areas have seen modest improvements in the availability of bungalows and retirement properties, many major cities and communities continue to experience reductions in supply at a time when the number of older households is rising rapidly.
“For many renters, especially those with mobility needs or living on fixed incomes, accessible homes such as bungalows are not a preference; they are essential.
“Without greater investment in suitable housing and planning policies that properly reflect the needs of an ageing population, many older renters risk facing reduced choice, affordability pressures and fewer opportunities to relocate later in life.”
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