Downsizers can bag 2 for 1 on property purchases
The latest research from over-50s property specialists, Regency Living, reveals that downsizing retirees could own two homes for the price of one, combining a comfortable home in England with a sunny escape in Europe.
According to Regency Living’s latest analysis, retirees who sell a traditional bricks and mortar house and purchase a park home can free up around £105,000 in equity.
This is based on the average UK house price of £269,079* and the average median price of a Regency Living park home which starts from £165,000*.
Some downsizers use this equity boost to fund their retirement or help younger family members get onto the property ladder. But for many, the ultimate dream is owning a holiday retreat in the sun, and that dream is entirely achievable for park home buyers.
With £105,000 (around €120,000) left over, retirees can afford not just a park home but also a holiday property abroad. So where in Europe can this budget stretch the furthest?
Italy is a promising location. It currently offers around 1,340 holiday homes for sale under €120,000, representing 12.9% of all listings.
Portugal is even more promising, with 1,935 properties within budget, equivalent to 8.9% of the national market. And some of Portugal’s most scenic regions offer exceptional value:
In fact, Portugal’s Costa de Prata (Silver Coast), known for its sandy beaches, charming fishing villages and surf spots, has 32.2% of listings under €120,000, the highest percentage in Europe.
Costa Verde, Portugal’s lush wine-producing region, features 11.8% of properties within budget.
In Italy’s Tuscany, one of the most iconic and romantic regions in the world, 10% of current listings are also within reach.
With smart downsizing, many retirees are turning a single home into a lifestyle upgrade, enjoying the best of both worlds at home and abroad.
Tim Simmons, Sales Director at Regency Living, commented:
“Downsizing to a park home is not just a lifestyle choice, it’s a smart financial move. At Regency Living, we see more and more retirees unlocking significant equity from their traditional homes and using that freedom to truly enhance their retirement. Park home living offers modern, energy-efficient properties in secure and friendly communities, often in some of the most picturesque parts of the UK. The added bonus is that many buyers still have six-figure sums left over, which can be used to boost their pension, support family, or, as our latest research shows, purchase a holiday home abroad. It’s about achieving more from retirement, both financially and in terms of quality of life.”
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