Our evidence highlighted the urgent need for more accessible housing and better support for older people and disabled individuals across all tenures after member data showed 64% of sales agents and 62% of letting agents stated it was difficult or very difficult for people with disabilities to secure accessible or adapted homes.
The UK Government’s formal response to the report acknowledges the need for accessible housing and outlined steps to address the challenges faced by disabled individuals. However, Propertymark emphasises the importance of translating these commitments into tangible outcomes. The UK Government's plan to publish a long-term housing strategy in 2025 presents an opportunity to detail how the needs of disabled individuals will be prioritised within broader housing policies. This strategy must include measures for increase availability of accessible homes across all tenures.
Database of accessible homes must include the PRS
One of the Committee’s key recommendations was for local authorities to maintain a database of accessible social housing. However, the UK Government stated that this should remain at the discretion of councils, but we argue that this does not go far enough.
Instead, Propertymark recommends an expanded database that includes all housing types —especially private rented homes — so that councils can fully assess local needs and improve access to suitable accommodation. This should be integrated into Local Plans, ensuring accessible housing is developed in the right locations, close to essential support services.
Support for councils through National Planning Policy
Propertymark welcomes an official commitment to improving the delivery of accessible homes through the National Planning Policy Framework, which requires local planning authorities to assess the housing needs of different groups, including older and disabled people. This reflects one of our core recommendations and is a positive step forward.
To support implementation, we have offered to host a roundtable discussion, providing insight from its members on local market challenges and opportunities to increase the provision of suitable homes.
Expanding Access to the Disabled Facilities Grant
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) plays a vital role in adapting homes to meet the needs of disabled residents. However, the current allocation formula, set in 2011, is out-dated and does not fairly reflect current local need.
The Labour Government states that since coming to power it has given an extra £86 million to fund the DFG in 2024-25 and confirmed funding of £711 million in 2025-26. Propertymark is calling for the DFG in England to be increased from £30,000 to £36,000 to reflect rising construction and labour costs—matching the higher threshold already in place in Wales. Furthermore, we are pushing for the grant to be made available during void periods, so landlords can proactively make properties accessible before a new tenancy begins.
Greater promotion of the grant is also needed to raise awareness among landlords, tenants, and property agents and challenge outdated assumptions around the cost or complexity of adaptations.
Continued engagement with government
Propertymark remains committed to collaborating with governments, local authorities, and other stakeholders to enhance the provision of accessible housing. By leveraging the insights and expertise of its members, we aim to contribute to the development and implementation of policies that ensure all individuals, regardless of ability, have access to suitable and secure housing.
As the UK Government prepares its long-term housing strategy, Propertymark stands ready to assist in ensuring that the housing needs of disabled people are not only acknowledged but effectively addressed through concrete actions and sustained commitment.
To maximise opportunities and ultimately to increase the provision of accessible housing, the UK Government must ensure that local authorities have the resources needed to signpost their accommodation, continue to improve supply through Local Plans and the National Planning Policy Framework, and do more to promote the Disabled Facilities Grant to landlords, tenants and property agents.
