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

Selective Licensing Requirements

Propertymark is reminding landlords of their responsibilities under Selective Licensing schemes as more local authorities across England and Wales continue to implement or expand these regulatory measures. Selective licensing is designed to improve housing standards, ensure safer communities, and provide greater oversight of privately rented properties. Propertymark urges landlords to familiarise themselves with the rules…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Autumn Budget 2025: Key advice for homeowners, buyers and landlords

The UK’s Autumn Budget delivered several headline-grabbing policies that will directly shape the future of the housing market. While initial reactions ranged from concern to confusion, property experts say the sector should take a measured, informed view, particularly as many changes won’t take effect for several years. From understanding who is going to face implications,…
Read More →
Breaking News

Five real estate opportunities to watch in 2026

By Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners The 2025 Autumn Budget offered limited stimulus for the housing market and, persistent headwinds such as sticky inflation, higher for longer interest rates, elevated construction costs, and slow planning processes continue to impact development viability. But there are still reasons for cautious optimism. The UK economy…
Read More →
Breaking News

Are Rightmove fee increases set to outpace agent earnings

The latest research from Property DriveBuy suggests that the nation’s estate agents are on course to see the sums paid to Rightmove in fees outpace the growth in commission earned for a third consecutive year, having already seen significantly higher increases in Rightmove fees over the last two years versus the commission bagged per property…
Read More →
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 3/12/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Banking facility will make it easier and more cost-effective for TPFG franchisees to access funding  The Property Franchise Group (TPFG), one the UK’s largest property franchisors, has announced the launch of a new bespoke lending facility, created with Barclays. This initiative will make it easier…
Read More →
Breaking News

What the Autumn Budget 2025 means for downsizers

Now that the dust has settled on what was a hotly anticipated Autumn Budget from the UK government, over-50s property specialist Regency Living has produced a concise guide to the implications for the nation’s downsizers, and concluded that this Budget is going to further increase demand on England’s park home market. The 2025 Autumn Budget was…
Read More →