Image source, Getty Images

By Daniel Wainwright and Kevin Peachey

BBC News

Thousands more families are renting smaller homes than they were three years ago, according to data seen by the BBC.

Renters aged over 30 are more likely to move to cheaper areas as the cost of renting has soared and availability squeezed, Dataloft figures also show.

The consultancy said trade-offs were needed so people could stay in budget.

The National Housing Federation suggested more older people faced insecure, expensive tenancies.

The body, which represents housing associations, said older people's health and wellbeing were suffering, and called for an increase in social housing.

Downsizing trend

Rents have been rising at a rapid rate, increasing at more than 10% in a year for new tenancies in some areas. Demand is high and the number of available homes has dropped as some landlords sell up.

As well as young, single people finding it hard to start out, families and older tenants have been affected.

Dataloft estimates, analysed by the BBC, suggest almost half of new tenancies taken on by families earning £30,000 to £70,000 in the first six months of this year were for one or two-bed homes.