Disabled and older renters are underserved by the private rented sector, says estate agency body Propertymark.
There’s a lack of bungalows available to rent, at just 19,200 following an annual drop of 5%.
This is despite there being 867,000 households headed by people aged 55 who live in the private rented sector.
Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, 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.
“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.”
Since 2010/11 the number of 55+ households has grown by 70%, while nearly half of private rented sector tenants aged 65 or over are in the bottom 20% of all household incomes.
The bungalow shortage is worse in some areas.
In April the West Midlands saw 110 bungalows available to rent, Scotland saw 66, and 35 were recorded across Northern Ireland. This is compared to larger spikes seen in other areas, such as the East of England, with 298 available and 284 in the South East.
The industry body has said that not only has it become more difficult to find a suitable home, but it is also removing much of a renter’s relocation flexibility once they retire.
Areas within the South West of England, such as Cornwall and Devon, are popular coastal destinations for retirees, but see fewer accessible homes enter the market.
From January to April 2025, Cornwall saw only 114 bungalows on the market in the private rented sector; however, when compared to areas like Nottingham in the East Midlands with a smaller population, 164 were available during the same period.