"Government needs to focus efforts on negotiating a European exit but they must not drop the ball in delivering new housing that meets the needs of last time buyers."
Almost one in five homeowners aged over 55 have considered moving since 2014 but have not done so.
HomeOwners Alliance argues that addressing this problem could help ease the housing crisis, freeing up housing stock for families and first-time buyers.
However it has raised concerns that new housing will be a victim of the recent Brexit decision.
A lack of the right kind of homes is the now the number one reason for older homeowners deciding to stay put, with 23% citing this as the primary reason.
Other reasons included the stress and upheaval of moving, as well as not wanting to move away from friends, neighbours and their community.
Property prices are less likely to be a barrier (22% vs 31% among homeowners overall). However last-time buyers tend not to consider new build homes, believing they are less likely to deliver on spaciousness of rooms (23%), the amount of available green space (23%) and providing living on one level (12%). Being near to amenities and good transport links are also aspects that are seen as less typical of new build homes.
Paula Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of HomeOwners Alliance, said: “The recent Brexit decision means we are now in the midst of uncertain times and new housing is likely to be a victim. Government needs to focus efforts on negotiating a European exit but they must not drop the ball in delivering new housing that meets the needs of last time buyers. House builders can't be allowed to sit on their hands and land bank. The government needs to keep them building and building houses that meet the needs of last time buyers as well as first time buyers."
