The housing ladder has several stages – first home, family home… then what? Maybe nothing, new research suggests [1], more older homeowners are staying put, with no plans to downsize.
Indeed, seven in 10 respondents said that they are not looking to downsize, in a survey of 1,000 homeowners. Moreover, although 29% do plan to downsize within the next five years, only 13% of over-75s have done so. So, what’s stopping them?
Forever home
The main reasons cited for not wanting to downsize include not being suited to a smaller house (31%), already living in their ‘forever home’ (25%), and having no desire to move away from their community (23%).
The whole process of moving home was also called into question as being ‘exhausting’ (22%), and that a move would not bring any financial benefit once costs were considered (16%).
Positive downsizers
On the other hand, of those who do plan to downsize, 43% cited finding it easier to look after a smaller property, while 38% said that it would be cheaper, and 27% noted a desire to have more money in retirement.
[1] Key, 2023
🚨 Data accurate as of the date of publication – 29.08.2023
🚨Think carefully before securing debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
🚨 The above material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a sales offer or financial advice. Before taking out any insurance, credit agreement or other financial product, you should obtain individual advice on your requirements and the general terms of the contract.
Source: Quilter Financial Planning – Essentially Mortgages Q3 2023
