The latest research* suggests that over 1.4 million over-65s will consider downsizing in the next five years with 1 in 10 of these doing so in order to raise funds in retirement – at an average of £62,000. But for many either the finances don’t add up or there are not enough suitable homes available. We are frequently asked to help retirees with their downsizing plans and understand the issues involved.

However, if you currently own a family house and expect to move to somewhere “more practical” once the children have grown up, you might need to reconsider your plans.  

The current demographic shift to a low mortality/low fertility society is creating a new generation of future homeowner. As the population is living longer, people are lingering longer in their various life stages before moving on.

One of the predictions is that by 2026, almost 80 per cent of the adult population will be ‘adkids’ - an amalgamation of adults and kids, who are quite happy to rely on mum and dad for longer, primarily as a result of higher housing and living costs. This, in turn, leads to an increase in the age at which these people leave home, get married, and have their first child, with a knock-on effect on future generations.

Couples feel more comfortable starting a family once they have the “security” of their own roof over their heads and are having to work longer to save for a deposit before doing so.

It is predicted that parents will spend less time being ‘empty nesters’ and more time in the ‘sandwich’ generation, where they experience simultaneous demands from both their elderly parents (who are living longer), and the ‘adkids’ who haven’t yet left home.

So if you have teenagers and are pushed for space, don’t bank on them moving out in the foreseeable future. And if you are currently buying a property, perhaps you should consider purchasing something bigger than you currently need in order to provide enough space, for your extended family! 

If so, do let us know and we’ll make it as painless as possible!    

Peter Ryder

Managing Director

Thorntons Property