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 Frome off guard.

Frome Property Market – The 8% ‘New Build Premium’

A Frome landlord recently asked me why the brand new property she was considering was noticeably more expensive than a similar second-hand home in the same location. It's a common question, and many homeowners and landlords in Frome have likely pondered it.

So, I decided to dig into the data to uncover the truth behind the 'new build premium'—and the latest statistics offer some fascinating insights.

Are We Using Our Homes Wisely? The Surprising Truth About Spare Bedrooms 

In towns like Frome, the number of homes with two or more spare bedrooms is striking. Across the UK, 8.9 million homes have this level of extra space—an eye-watering statistic when considering the ongoing housing crisis and the demand for family homes.

It’s a sensitive subject. Many of these larger homes belong to an older generation who have lived in them for decades, raising families before finding themselves with empty rooms. These properties were built in an era when bedrooms were more generously sized than the modern equivalents, making them highly desirable. However, for some, the rising cost of maintaining and heating such properties is becoming a challenge, especially for those on fixed incomes.

The Humble Terraced House: A British Favourite

With 6,196,793 terraced homes across the UK—making up 23.2% of all properties—the terraced house has long been a staple of British living. From classic Victorian rows to modern townhouses, these homes have stood the test of time, offering charm, character, and practicality.

£ per square foot March 2025

Welcome back to news of Frome's property market, where each week I bring you different local property market stats and trends. This week I am back again with the March’s £/sq.ft statistics.

The average property presently in Frome is on the market for £353 per square foot, a figure representing the current heartbeat of Frome's property market.

Last month it was £352 per square foot.

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