A growing number of older homeowners say they are stuck in properties that no longer meet their needs and there is a shortage of bungalows, new research shows.
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A survey commissioned by home mobility company Uplifts found that one in four (25%) of people aged 55 and over say their current home will not support their long-term mobility.
Yet bungalows, the home type most associated with step-free living, now make up only 1% of all new construction projects.
National House Building Council figures show the number of new homes completed rose by 8% to 30,643 in the third quarter of last year, but only 309 were bungalows.
With supply so low, an estimated 1.2 million older movers are being locked out of homes, allowing them to live safely and independently for longer, according to Uplifts.
Many are left in larger family homes that they no longer need and that younger families are keen to buy.
The shortage of bungalow supply has prompted many older homeowners to look for alternatives; 22% are now considering moving to a two-storey house instead.
For those open to the idea, the main draw factors are more choice (24%), lower prices than bungalows (20%) and the privacy of upstairs bedrooms (22%).
But those surveyed said certain features are essential for this option to work, including:
• Bathrooms on the ground floor (32%)
• Safer, well-lit stairs (17%)
• Room for future adjustments, such as home lifts, if their mobility changes (12%)
Property consultant Rachel Ollington warns that Britain has backed itself into a corner.
She said: “Demand for accessible homes is rising rapidly, yet we are building almost no new bungalows. A perfect storm has arisen.
“Two-storey homes designed for adaptability, such as space for future lift installations, safer stairs and flexible layouts, give older buyers much more choice. And when those buyers can finally move, they will free up much-needed family homes for the next generation.”
Real estate agents say competition for the few available bungalows is fierce, with prices rising and buyers regularly facing bidding wars.
Chris Webb, owner of The Estate Agent Consultancy, said: “Downsizers are desperate for homes without steps, but that supply just isn’t there. Increasingly, people are turning to homes they can customize – whether that’s safer stairs, ground floor amenities or space to add a home lift later. These homes give people options, and options are getting chains moving again.”
Nearly half (47%) of adults with aging parents believe single-story homes should be a priority for older buyers. A further 26% support age-inclusive developments, and 26% say two-storey homes designed with accessibility options (including home lifts) should be part of the future housing mix.
Most believe that the responsibility to solve the shortage lies with municipalities (27%), housing associations (21%) and private developers (18%).