YOU DON’T HAVE TO COMPROMISE TO DOWNSIZE

For many of us, downsizing is an option we often consider in later life, as our children fly the nest and we are left alone in a home too large to accommodate our changing needs. According to new stats by Homes for Later Living, more than 3 million Brits aged over 65 are stuck in homes that are unsuitable for them, wanting to downsize but unable to do so due to a perceived lack of smaller housing available*

The new research states that if all people over 65 that were looking to downsize were able to do so, nearly two million spare bedrooms would be freed up in family homes, and roughly two in three retirement properties built would release a home suitable for a first time buyer, which would significantly boost the property market.

But, not all of those looking to downsize are ready to move to property specifically for later living, with 24-hour care support and space to store a mobility scooter. For those looking to move somewhere smaller whilst still maintaining their independence in a contemporary space, many housebuilders are providing lots of options for downsizers at their brand-new developments. New build homes are a great choice for those looking to downsize, being much lower-maintenance with easily maintainable gardens, and with all DIY jobs completed for you, you won’t even have to pick up a paintbrush!     

The Worcester at De Montfort Place, Bedford

Located within a sought-after conservation area, De Montfort Place is an elegant gated development by Storey Homes.  Available from £325,000, The Worcester offers easy living for downsizers set across two floors with a lounge on the ground floor that opens out onto a westerly facing garden, a separate kitchen and downstairs cloakroom. The upper floor hosts the master bedroom with en-suite, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom.  A stones’ throw away from Bedford town centre, which is renowned for its riverside setting and thriving community, the homes here also benefit from easy walking access to the amenities in the town, including a local post office and Sainsbury’s Local. To ease the buying process, Storey Homes offers Assisted Move and Help to Buy at De Montfort Place.
storey-homes.co.uk/development/de-montfort-place-phase-two-bedford

Hawthornden, Yalding, Kent 

With a selection of three bedroom properties ideal for those looking to rightsize into a smaller property, Hawthornden by Millwood Designer Homes has something for everyone. Situated in the tranquil Kent village of Yalding, the unique collection of three-bedroom terraces, chalet bungalows and villas available from £460,000 all enjoy a fantastic specification with contemporary open-plan layouts. The local village offers a post office, doctors surgery and convenience store as well as a Waitrose and Tesco under 10 minutes away. With a low-maintenance property at Hawthornden, residents will have more time to explore the beautiful local area that is steeped in history, as well as enjoy the stunning countryside on the doorstep, including the Kent Downs and High Weald, both Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk/our-developments/yalding

Chapel Riverside, Southampton, Hampshire 

For those looking for a different type of property altogether, why not look towards an apartment. Situated in a tranquil location overlooking the River Itchen, Inland Homes’ Chapel Riverside has a selection of one and two bedroom apartments ideal for enjoying a simpler way of life. Residents here can relax on their private balcony listening to the sounds of the river, or go for a stroll in one of the landscaped courtyards on the development. Each apartment comes fully-fitted with open-plan living and dining spaces, in addition to a kitchen with integrated appliances, luxury bedrooms and fully-equipped bathrooms. Underfloor heating throughout the apartment is a welcome bonus, and a secure allocated parking space ensures residents have a safe space for their car. Southampton’s bustling city centre is just a short bus ride away from Endle Street bus stop, just outside the development. Prices start from £190,000.
inlandhomes.co.uk/developments/chapel-riverside

*https://homesforlaterliving.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Report-2-Final.pdf