England’s 7.5 million households headed by someone aged over 65 are overwhelmingly settled in their current homes, with 58% now under occupying their property, an increase from 53% a decade ago. This means that approximately 4.3 million homes have one or more spare bedrooms that are not being used.
The primary reasons for remaining in their current homes are satisfaction and familiarity rather than barriers to moving. According to the English Housing Survey, 76% of older households say their home already meets their needs, while 73% state that they like the area in which they live. These are by far the two most common reasons for staying put.
Age related considerations also influence some households, although to a lesser extent. Around 17% remain because their home has been adapted to suit their needs, reflecting a decision based on accessibility and practicality rather than personal preference.
Among the relatively small proportion of people aged over 65 who are considering a move, the preference is generally to downsize. Around 28% would like a smaller home, whereas only 24% of those aged 35 to 64 are looking for additional space.
Overall, the evidence suggests that older households in England are satisfied with both their homes and their local communities. Most have little desire to relocate, and those who do are typically seeking a smaller, more manageable property rather than a larger one.