Rightsizers – the new downsizers

The typical downsizers looking for a smaller home for their retirement has been replaced by a new breed of buyers who put space, location and a new lease of life at the top of their priority list.

Five star housebuilder David Wilson Homes said that it is seeing a rise in the number of people who are making a move to Plymouth long before retirement – movers it is calling the rightsizers.
It says that far from downsizing to a one bedroom property – some are actually buying larger or similar size homes but want the space, low maintenance and low running costs that a new house provides.

Research from David Wilson Homes in Plymouth reveals that almost 75 per cent of people would consider a downsizing move in the future but with 95 per cent of people saying they would want more than one bedroom, they are certainly not downsizing to a typical small retirement property.

Reasons for considering a move are topped by wanting a home which is cheaper to run and easier to maintain than their current home.

Those surveyed also cited releasing equity, not wanting to spend money on updating a current property and the chance to be closer to family as reasons to move.

And for those considering that move, key priorities are lower energy bills in a new home, a feeling of space and enough bedrooms for overnight guests.

“The research backs up what we are seeing at our developments in Plymouth,’’ said sales director Sara Parker.

“The image of a typical downsizer has been replaced by what we are calling rightsizers – people looking for the right size of home to suit their lifestyle and that can mean swapping a large old home for something of a similar size but without the hassle and costs associated with an older property,’’ said Sara.