Potential downsizers are becoming frustrated at the lack of bungalows to move into, research by HomeOwners Alliance shows.
Some 38% of over-55 homeowners said they would prefer a bungalow for their next move, making bungalows the most popular choice among this group.
However, builders are turning away from them, as they made up just 1% of new homes in 2024, down from 11% in 1990.
Paula Higgins, chief executive of HomeOwners Alliance, said: “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.
“There is a huge demand for bungalows but hardly any get built anymore. With the UK’s rapidly aging 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.”
Other barriers to moving for older homeowners are: Stress of moving (41%) and not wanting to move away from friends and neighbours (23%).
