A growing number of older homeowners say they’re trapped in properties that no longer meet their needs, with bungalows in short supply, according to new research.

A survey commissioned by home mobility firm Uplifts found that one in four (25%) of people aged 55 and over say their current home won’t support their long term mobility.

Yet bungalows, the home type most associated with step-free living, now make up just 1% of all new builds.

Figures from the National House Building Council show that, in Q3 last year, new homes completed rose 8% to 30,643, but just 309 were bungalows.

With supply this low, an estimated 1.2 million older movers are being shut out of the homes that would allow them to live safely and independently for longer, Uplifts said.

Many are left staying put in larger family houses they no longer need and that younger families are desperate to buy.

The squeeze on bungalow supply has pushed many older homeowners to look at alternatives, with 22% now considering moving into a two storey home instead.

For those open to the idea, key draw factors include 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:

• Ground floor bathrooms (32%) • Safer, well-lit stairs (17%) • Space for future adaptations, such as homelifts, if their mobility changes (12%)

Property consultant Rachel Ollington warns that the UK has backed itself into a corner.

She said: “Demand for accessible homes is rising fast, yet we’re building almost no new bungalows. It’s created a perfect storm.

“Two-storey homes that are designed with adaptability in mind, such as space for future lift installation, safer stairs and flexible layouts, give older buyers far more choice. And when those buyers finally get to move, it frees up much needed family homes for the next generation.”

Estate agents say the competition for the few bungalows available is fierce, with prices rising and buyers regularly facing bidding wars.

Chris Webb, owner of The Estate Agent Consultancy, said: “Downsizers are desperate for step-free homes, but the stock just isn’t there. Increasingly, people are turning to houses they can adapt – whether that’s safer stairways, ground floor facilities or room to add a homelift later. These homes give people options, and options mean chains start moving again.”

Almost half (47%) of adults with ageing parents believe single-storey homes should be prioritised for older buyers. A further 26% support age inclusive developments, and 26% say two-storey homes designed with accessibility options (including homelifts) should be part of the future housing mix.

Most believe the responsibility to fix the shortage lies with local councils (27%), housing associations (21%) and private developers (18%).