Older Homeowners Being Put Off Downsizing

A growing number of older homeowners want to downsize their home but many are being put off by the lack of housing options for older people and the difficulties of moving, new research has revealed. As house prices rise, downsizingdirect.com says that nearly three-quarters of its enquirers aged 55-79 want help selling their home and buying/moving to a smaller property. But 24% say they are put off by the lack of housing options; 19% by the hassle and cost of moving; 14% by having to de-clutter their possessions; and 14% by family reasons such as staying close to children and grandchildren. In the UK it’s estimated that only one in ten older people downsize, while one in five pensioner households in the USA do so. Read more on 24dash.