At Stacks, our property finders work with clients from all walks of life. Where many of our clients are looking for their next luxurious mansion, we also help the more mature movers downsize (or resize) as they prepare to part with the family home.

If you are thinking about this, it’s possible that you may not have sold and bought property for many years. Things within the property market have changed dramatically over the decades. We have put together some tips for downsizing to help you through this time. If you have any questions or want to discuss elements of our next move, please contact Stacks today.

Top Tips for Downsizing 

If you’re downsizing, taking advice will ensure that you are supported every step of the way. Here are our top 7 tips for downsizing:

  1. Work with a Property Finder – If you are relocating or staying in the same area, working with a property finder is the best way to ensure you get to where you want to be. We are the buyer’s agent, which means we are on your side. We get to know you and what you want from your downsizing or resizing journey, and then we go out into the market to find your ideal property. We handle all the nitty gritty details, so you don’t have to, including negotiating the best price and liaising with legal bodies. Working with a property finder really is the best way to ensure a stress-free downsizing experience. Contact us to speak with one of our regional directors.
  2. Think about the future – If you’re downsizing or resizing, there is a chance you are looking to move to a property that you can enjoy far into the future. It’s important that you don’t just consider your needs as they are at the moment, make sure it will suit you – or can be adapted – when you become less active and possibly less mobile. Psychologically, think of this as a new step forward, not the last property step – a feeling that can often deter downsizers. However, don’t overlook practicalities that might become necessary later in life, such as security, porterage, off-street parking that’s easily accessible from the house and minimal steps, inside and out.
  3. Get the Location Right – Before you start planning the ‘what’, establish the ‘where’. This is by far the most important aspect of your downsizing journey. Moving near family is frequently a sensible move, but don’t discount the fact that moving away from an established social life will be a wrench. Consider the demographic of the new area.
  4. Think About Your Day-to-Day Needs – Make sure you have the facilities you will need close by. Remote tends to be a bad idea in later life. You need to have easy access to necessary facilities and leisure facilities that will enhance your life. More and more retirees are choosing to live in towns and busy villages: a central location, within walking distance of everything you need day to day, can be a great choice.
  5. New Start – remember this is a new start, this is something people often forget when downsizing. Try not to recreate exactly what you had on a smaller scale. Think of it as a new start and an opportunity to live in a different way.
  6. Consider the Market – This is one of the tips for downsizing that goes hand in hand with working with a property finder like Stacks. Remember that you are probably looking at the kind of property that is in high demand from a wide range of purchasers. Not only are small families, divorcees and investors in the same market but there is generally less desire for large ‘status’ homes, with many families preferring a more practically-sized main home. When you work with Stacks property finders, we know the market very well and also have access to inside information. We can be notified of a property becoming available before it is officially on the market, which gives you the upper hand in this busy property bracket.
  7. Is Family an Option? – Finally, don’t rule out the possibility of moving on-site with family. Some of the most successful arrangements are where grandparents have an annexe or separate accommodation. Support works both ways, both practical and social. The best arrangements are where each family unit has its own access, is self-contained in terms of kitchen and bathrooms, and where living together etiquette is established early on! If your family doesn’t have a space available, you may be looking at selling up more than one property and purchasing a larger, specific home. This is where Stacks can really be on your side; there is a lot of logistics and planning involved for this type of situation. We can take care of all of the hard work and details whilst you enjoy the excitement of seeking a new living situation with your loved ones.

Downsizing and Resizing with Stacks

Still feeling daunted after our tips for downsizing? See here how Stacks helps people like you get moving.

Contact our team today for more information and to discuss your next move!

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