FINE & COUNTRY DOWNS I ZING DONE R IGHT
For many people, the idea of moving into a smaller home can feel like a concession. Jonathan Handford from Fine & Country Leamington Spa suggests reframing the way we think about downsizing.
Last year, Saga, the UK ’s specialist in products and services for people over 50, published research into the popular ity of downsizing in the UK and found that nearly one in f ive
signif icant amount of maintenance or would a shared green space, balcony, or a low-maintenance cour tyard garden suit you better ? How many rooms do you use regular ly? Could a clever ly designed open-plan space serve you better than a house full of rooms?
of all over 50s owner -occupiers have 48
downsized. This represents an average approaching 200,000 downsizers a year, the major ity aiming to reduce the time and cost of maintenance and f ree up capital. The phenomenon isn’t reserved for the over 50s either, a growing number of younger professionals and families are reassessing their prior ities, considering rising energy costs, remote work ing trends, and a shif t away f rom long commutes.
Despite its popular ity, the concept of downsizing is of ten associated with compromise. But is that case?
really the
Downsizing doesn’t have to be about giving things up. Instead, it should be about redef ining what you need and what adds value to your lifestyle. It’s about matching your home to the life you live now. Done right, it’s a liberating process that
can of fer
financial freedom, lower levels of maintenance, and f reedom to live the way you chose.
Start by dropping the idea that smaller is lesser. Yes, a smaller home means less space, but it also of ten means lower bills, less cleaning, and less clutter — all of which adds up to more time and money for the things you enjoy.
Whether you’re moving f rom a four -bedroom detached house to a two-bed f lat, or swapping suburban sprawl for a city-centre apar tment, downsizing should be about what you’re gaining, not what you’re giving up. So what do you really need? This is the per fect time to audit your lifestyle. Do you need a large garden that requires a
Pr ior itise features that support how you live now – and how you plan to live in the future. For example, if you work f rom home par t-time, an of f ice might be essential, but if you plan on retir ing soon, perhaps a study nook could work . I f your children have moved out and you rarely host visitor s, a ver satile sitting room with a sofa bed may be a better option than multiple spare rooms. Are you going to want level access at some point in the future and perhaps a walk -in shower ? considering features proof your home.
that
The same applies to the location. Think about the amenities nearby and the community. A well-connected location can keep you active, social and supported over time.
One of the major benef its of downsizing is the potential to move to a location that suits your lifestyle. Whether that means moving closer to family – or fur ther away, shif ting to a bustling town centre, or heading to the countryside, location impacts your quality of life. I f you’re look ing for a smaller proper ty, it may be that areas previously out of budget are now within reach.
Another benef it to downsizing is that it can unlock equity tied up in your cur rent home. That can be used to supplement your income or pension, invest elsewhere, or fund travel and exper iences. Just don’t forget to factor in the full cost of moving.
If you're considering downsizing, take your time, ask questions, and be clear about what matters most to you. The perfect space is out there. It might just be smaller than you think.
For advice on selling or buying property, please contact Fine & Country Leamington Spa on 01926 455950 or visit
www.fineandcountry.com
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THE MIDLANDS PROPERTY GUIDE FI N E & CO U N T R Y
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