A fall in the number of bungalows to rent is disproportionately affecting the growing number of older and disabled tenants, according to new research by Propertymark.

It reveals that across the UK, the availability of privately rented bungalows has dropped by nearly 5% year on year, equating to almost 1,000 homes. In the year to April, there were 19,161 bungalows to rent compared to 20,138 in the year to April 2024.

The industry body believes that not only has it become more difficult to find a suitable home, but it is also harder to relocate once older renters retire. Areas within the South West 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 only had 114 available rental bungalows compared to areas such as Nottingham with a smaller population, where 164 were available during the same period.

Newcastle

Propertymark has also compared the number of bungalows to rent in popular cities across the UK and found that Newcastle was hardest hit, with a -27% drop in the number available in the year to April, down to 217.

Propertymark CEO Nathan Emerson (right) says bungalows 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,” he adds.

Planning

“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.”

Research was conducted in more than 19,000 agencies across the UK.

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