Generation wanting to downsize are trapped.

January 13, 2016

Recent reports indicate that around one third of home owners in the 55+ age category are considering downsizing but have very little choice and feel unable to do so, there is a chronic under-supply of properties out there suitable to their needs.

Research shows that nearly half of all people who classify as under-occupiers in the UK are aged over 55,  at current market trends it would take 20 years for housing supply to meet the demand of just half of people aged 60+ interested in downsizing, more support is required for older people wanting to downsize is called for by retirement housebuilder McCarthy & Stone.

The CEO of McCarthy & Stone, Clive Fenton reportedly said: “Housing and planning policy should not just be about Starter Homes – millions of older people want to downsize to more suitable housing but there is currently little incentive or choice for them to move. As a result, housing chains are blocked at the top of the ladder,

“Billions of pounds of housing for families and younger people could be freed up via policies that encourage a wider range of housing options and also incentives to move, such as a stamp duty exemption for those moving to a smaller property. This is an area which demands greater policy focus by government in 2016.”

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Letting Agent Talk

Top 3 Best Places to Be a Landlord in the UK

These are the 3 best cities to be a landlord, according to landlords. Landlord Resource have analysed Zoopla data to identify the UK’s highest-yielding buy-to-let locations and share top tips to find the right rental area for a return on investment. The top 3 highest-yielding buy-to-let cities in the UK revealed: Rank City Average Monthly…
Read More →
Breaking News

Landlords still backing buy-to-let

The latest research from London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, has revealed that more than half of landlords (50.6%) still believe residential property remains a good long-term investment despite increased regulation, with almost two-thirds (62.7%) intending to maintain their current portfolio over the next year. However, just 3.9% plan to expand, with landlord taxation…
Read More →
labour party scam mansion tax
Breaking News

Labour to enforce entry to your home for Property Mansion Tax?

As Labour take a tighter control on UK citizens and further explore taxes to impose – The latest trending topic discussed is the suggestion that they wish to send officials out to homes they serve in order to value and impose the mansion tax. If the group of unprofessional leaders in charge couldn’t slip any…
Read More →
small house bird box
Breaking News

Public Sentiment Favours Social Infrastructure Over Housing Resistance

Britain is more YIMBY than NIMBY, as social housing tops consumers’ housing policy priorities   More than two in five UK adults support new homes being built within three miles of where they live (43 per cent), nearly twice the proportion who oppose local development (22 per cent) Building social or affordable housing is the…
Read More →
Breaking News

Homebuyers are Prioritising Wi-Fi Over Good Schools

One in four Brits would reject a home over potential slow broadband Almost half (45%) of recent and prospective home movers rank broadband among their considerations when choosing a home, much more so than local schools (26%) Over 1 in 3 (37%) don’t feel settled into a new home until their Wi-Fi is working. Of…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

Landlord returns reach almost 7% in some areas

Landlord returns reach almost 7% in strongest rental markets, but protecting those returns is just as important as generating them   The latest analysis by The Letting Partnership has revealed that rental yields are reaching almost 7% in England’s strongest-performing markets, but the firm has warned landlords that generating a healthy return is only half the equation,…
Read More →