Why Are So Many Pensioners Renting?

It might surprise you to learn that between 1 in 16 and 1 in 10 pensioners across the UK now privately rent their home from a buy-to-let landlord. That’s right—not from the council or a housing association, but from the private rental sector.

This isn't just a London or city-based trend either. Scotland tops the charts with 9.6% of OAPs renting privately, while even in the quieter corners of the country, the figures remain steady. Take a closer look at the map, and you’ll see this is a nationwide shift—one that’s catching many people in places like Huddersfield off guard.

 

OAP Private Rented by Region (Lowest to Highest):

1. West Midlands – 6.1%
2. East Anglia – 6.2%
3. South East – 6.4%
4. North East – 6.6%
5. East Midlands – 6.6%
6. North West – 6.8%
7. Wales – 6.9%
8. Yorkshire & Humber – 7.0%
9. South West – 7.4%
10. London – 8.0%
11. Northern Ireland – 8.3%
12. Scotland – 9.6%

 

Why This Matters (And What It Means for You)

Whether you're a homeowner in Huddersfield, a local landlord, a buyer exploring your options, or even someone currently renting, this growing shift is worth paying attention to. Here’s why:

 

The Challenge:

As more older people rent in the private sector, there’s a real concern about long-term affordability and housing security. Unlike homeowners, renters don’t benefit from rising property values, and unlike council tenants, private renters face market-rate increases and less stability. For those on fixed pensions, that’s a growing issue—and one that could play out right here in Huddersfield.

 

The Opportunity for Landlords:

There’s a huge opportunity here for Huddersfield landlords who are thinking long term. Investing in or adapting properties that are attractive to older tenants—bungalows, single-storey homes, or ground-floor flats—could help future-proof your rental portfolio. Demand for these types of homes is only going one way: up.

 

The Upside for Renters:

And for those renting in Huddersfield in later life, there’s something liberating about not being tied down. Renters have the flexibility to move closer to family, downsize quickly, or even relocate to another part of the town—or the country—without the hassle of selling a home. That freedom is powerful, especially in retirement.

 

Are The Numbers Still Growing?

Absolutely. The proportion of over-65s renting privately has been rising steadily over the past 15 years. Back in 2007, just 4.9% of pensioners were in the private rented sector. Today, depending on the region, that number has almost doubled—or more. And all indicators suggest it’s going to keep rising.

 

As these figures show, the days of assuming pensioners all live in mortgage-free homes or sheltered housing are over. The private rental sector is playing an ever-larger role in later life—and that creates both challenges and opportunities for Huddersfield residents, no matter which part of the property market