Nearly half of homemovers plan to downsize in next three years

Downsizing was cited as the single most popular factor for moving, as 46 per cent plan to move to a smaller property with their next move.

According to research by Lloyds Bank, the popularity of downsizing has grown in recent years, buoyed by the anticipated returns.

Those thinking of downsizing could reap the financial rewards of trading down their property, as detached home owners could be in line for an average windfall of around £117,2301 if they move to a semi-detached house.

The figures show that average age for a downsizer is 53, at which point the greatest number (37 per cent) of downsizers had lived in their home between 11 and 20 years.

The main reason people cite for downsizing is to move somewhere which better served their circumstances (53 per cent). Other reasons include in order to reduce bills or free up equity (both 39 per cent), or to provide extra cash for retirement (31 per cent).

A fifth say that they are downsizing earlier than they had anticipated, citing reasons such as health, changes in relationship status and a need to be closer to better local amenities. A third also say that they are planning to move to a more affordable area.

Three quarters (72 per cent) of those downsizing said they expected to profit from their move, with 35 per cent saying that they planned to reinvest their additional capital in a new property.

Around 29 per cent said that they would invest in other financial products, whilst only one in five (21 per cent) planned to invest in their pension or pass the earnings on to their family.

Mike Songer, mortgage director with Lloyds Bank, said: “People may consider moving home for a variety of reasons, often tied to their next big step in life – whether that’s getting married, starting a family or children growing up and flying the nest.

“We typically think of people moving to bigger houses as they move up the housing ladder, but people are increasingly looking to downsize their home because their circumstances or priorities have changed. Whilst financial gain may not be the main driver for those looking to trade down their property it is clearly a factor, with three quarters of downsizers expecting to profit from such a move.

“There are definitely financial benefits to be gained from trading down, with an average potential windfall of £117,230 when moving from a detached home to a semi-detached house. Downsizing is also healthy for the market, as it helps keep it moving and frees up larger properties which could be perfect for young families about to take their next step up the property ladder.”