"Our research shows that too many older homeowners feel stuck in homes that no longer work for them but struggle to find an appropriate alternative"
- Paula Higgins - HomeOwners Alliance
A new study by the HomeOwners Alliance shows that 1.2 million UK homeowners aged 55 and over have shelved moving plans in the last two years, despite initially wanting to relocate.
That equates to one in seven homeowners in this age group (14%). Many have been deterred by the stress and disruption of moving, the lack of suitable housing, and the difficulty of leaving behind established community ties.
Older homeowners are more likely than average to cite these barriers. Stress of moving was mentioned by 41% (compared with 35% of all homeowners), while 34% highlighted a shortage of suitable homes (vs 27% overall). A further 23% did not want to move away from friends and neighbours (vs 16% across all homeowners).
Demand for bungalows outstrips supply
The research found that 38% of homeowners aged 55 and over would prefer a bungalow for their next move, making it the most popular option among this group. However, supply has dwindled. NHBC figures reveal that bungalows accounted for 11% of new homes in 1990, but just 1% in 2024, as developers have increasingly prioritised higher-density housing.
Financial barriers are also relevant but less pronounced for older households. Concerns about house prices were raised by 23% of over-55s, compared with 35% of all homeowners, while moving costs were cited by 24%, versus 28% overall.
Calls for policy action
“Our research shows that too many older homeowners feel stuck in homes that no longer work for them but struggle to find an appropriate alternative," comments Paula Higgins, chief executive of the HomeOwners Alliance.
"There is a huge demand for bungalows, but hardly any get built anymore. NHBC data shows that they made up 11% of new home registrations in 1990, but just 1% in 2024. With the UK’s rapidly ageing population, we hope the government’s long-promised housing strategy looks at a better range of retirement housing, including single-storey solutions.
“No one wants to make their life more stressful, and as we age, the prospect of a house move can be overwhelming. Buying and selling a home is too uncertain, takes too long, and is too expensive. In the meantime, here at the HomeOwners Alliance, we’ll continue to provide all the advice and services together in one place to simplify home moves so people can cut costs, avoid the pitfalls, and move with confidence.”
