Elderly people are turning away from bungalows and instead are looking to small, town centre retirement properties, industry experts have revealed.

A 2005 study carried out by the charity Age Concern found that 19 per cent of men and 33 per cent of women aged 65-74 lived alone, with this increasing to 29 per cent of men and 60 per cent of women after the age of 75.

However, while one-story properties have previously been the most popular option for retirees, the market has shifted in recent years according to the property advisory firm Humberts.

"Traditionally bungalows were the choice for the retiring buyer but that is no longer the general choice now," said Martin Bowen-Ashwin, a spokesperson for the firm.

"This is partly down to people no longer wanting to buy bungalows and the supply of bungalows actually drying out."

Commenting on the type of buyers interested in properties on the south coast, Mr Bowen-Ashwin added: "These people are elderly people who have larger properties and are looking to purchase a smaller property in the town centre, within walking [distance] of the shops and basic facilities