1.2 million homeowners aged 55 and over have shelved plans to move in the past two years, research from the HomeOwners Alliance revealed.
The figure represents around one in seven (14%) of homeowners in this age group, highlighting the obstacles older movers face.
The study found that stress and upheaval were the most common deterrents.
Some 41% of over-55s who considered moving said the stress of moving was the biggest barrier, compared with 35% of homeowners overall.
A shortage of suitable homes was the next most frequently cited reason, mentioned by 34% of older homeowners, while 23% said they did not want to leave their friends and neighbours.
A lack of bungalows is a particular problem.
Demand remained strong, as 38% of over-55s said they would prefer a bungalow for their next move. However, supply has fallen sharply.
National House Building Council (NHBC) data revealed that bungalows accounted for 11% of new home registrations in 1990 but only 1% in 2024.
Although high house prices and moving costs were important factors, they appeared less significant for older homeowners than for the wider population.
Just 23% of over-55s cited house prices as a key barrier, compared with 35% of all homeowners, while 24% mentioned moving costs versus 28% of all homeowners.
Paula Higgins, chief executive of the 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. NHBC data shows that they made up 11% of new home registrations in 1990, but just 1% in 2024.
“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.”
She added: “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.”
