Why Move Home When You Don’t Need To?

Growing older comes with many big decisions, one of which is whether or not to downsize into a smaller property. However, when you’ve spent years in a home with so many memories, moving can feel like a daunting decision. If you’re noticing changes in your mobility or find some tasks more challenging, it’s natural to wonder if you should downsize your house. But you might be surprised to learn that it isn’t always the best choice.

We’ll explain why staying in the home you know and love could be the right option and some surprising reasons not to downsize.

Why do people consider downsizing as they age?

As we age, various factors can influence the decision to stay put or move into a smaller property. While downsizing has long been seen as a common solution to changing mobility needs, with around 16% of over-55s in the UK planning to do so, it’s still important to consider whether it’s the best choice.

Extra spending money

You might be wondering, should I downsize my house to save money? Selling a larger property can help free up funds, whether that’s to put towards retirement, private healthcare costs, or simply for the sake of having some extra cash to enjoy day-to-day activities.

With 11% of pensioners in the UK admitting to having no personal savings, it’s easy to see why downsizing might be appealing from a financial standpoint.

While it might seem like a quick way to cut down living costs, it’s essential to keep in mind that these monetary benefits can often be offset by the costs of moving, like estate agent fees, stamp duty, and the potential costs of renovating a new home to meet your needs.

Too much space

As you get older, maintaining a larger property by yourself can quickly become overwhelming. The upkeep of a larger home, including gardening, cleaning, and staying on top of any minor repairs, can feel like a lot of work, especially if your mobility starts to decline.

Many choose to downsize purely to reduce the amount of space they need to manage. A smaller home can be much easier to look after and may feel more comfortable and cosy without multiple unused rooms. Smaller homes usually also mean less time spent on housework, which can free up energy for other activities or hobbies.

Changing mobility needs

Getting around your home can become more difficult as you get older, and what was once a simple task, like climbing the stairs, can potentially lead to accidental injuries.

Over 100,000 older people are treated for injuries caused by falls on stairs each year in the UK, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue early. Many choose to move into a bungalow to avoid the risks associated with stairs, with around 60% of older adults in the UK expressing a desire to downsize into a single-storey home to improve their accessibility and

How much does it actually cost to move?

Downsizing might seem like an easy fix when you’re finding ways to manage the challenges that come with ageing, but it’s important to fully understand the financial picture before making any decisions. Moving home isn’t cheap, and you might be surprised to learn how much downsizing could cost.

For example, in 2023, the average cost of buying a bungalow in the UK was £330,000, while a semi-detached property cost around £296,000. So, even if you sell your current home at full value, you could still end up spending an additional £34,000 for a smaller place.

And when you add the moving costs, the total can start to add up quickly. On average, the cost of moving is about £13,018, with estate agent fees typically around £4,150, stamp duty at £4,600, and mortgage fees around £1,000.

In comparison, installing a home lift to make your home more accessible could be a much cheaper alternative. According to Check-a-trade, the average cost of a domestic list installation starts at around £15,000, meaning you could expect to save up to a potential £32,000* compared to moving.

*Figure based on potential total moving costs of £47,018

Downsizing pros and cons

Choosing whether or not to downsize is a big decision, and it’s natural to want to weigh up the pros and cons carefully. While there are benefits to reducing your living space, there are also a few reasons not to downsize that you might not have thought about.

What are the alternatives to downsizing?

Downsizing isn’t the only option if you’re finding it difficult to manage everyday tasks in your home. Many people don’t realise that there are other great ways to adapt and stay in the property you love.

Here are three of the most common alternatives to downsizing as you get older:

1. Install a home lift

If you’re struggling with climbing the stairs and are looking for a simple way to keep living comfortably in your current home, a home lift could be the perfect solution. Instead of dealing with the hassle of relocating into a smaller property, they allow you to bypass the stairs altogether, regaining access to your upper floors without the bulk of a stairlift.

There is a wide range of home lifts available, with standard and wheelchair-accessible models to suit your needs, making it quick and easy to travel freely throughout your home.

2. Make home adaptations

Adapting your home to fit your changing needs can be one of the most cost-effective ways to make life easier as you age. Instead of moving out of a familiar space, why not consider modifying the home you’ve spent so many years in? Even the simplest changes can make a world of difference, helping you to continue living independently.

For example, you might want to think about:

• Fitting handrails and grab bars — Strategically placed handrails can help you move around your home with more confidence.

• Widening doorways — This is especially important if you’re using a wheelchair or mobility aid. Widening doors makes getting around easier and more comfortable.

• Investing in a walk-in shower — A walk-in shower or wet room can be a lifesaver if you struggle with climbing in and out of the bathtub, making it safer and easier to bathe without the risk of slips or falls.

Learn more about making adaptations to your home — including wheelchair-friendly modifications — with our dedicated guides.

3. Live with family members

Another alternative to downsizing is multi-generational living. This arrangement can be a great solution if you struggle with the upkeep of a larger home or dealing with increasing mobility needs.

More and more families are choosing to live together under one roof, not only for practical reasons but also for emotional support. If you’re feeling like your home is too big for just you, living with family members might be the right option.

Our recent survey found that 86.6% of people believe the UK’s ongoing cost of living crisis makes multi-generational living more appealing. Whether it’s for cost savings, companionship, or support, moving in with family can provide the help you need while still giving you the space to live comfortably.

Learn more about the benefits with our complete guide to multi-generational homes.

Stay in the home you love with Stiltz

If downsizing doesn’t feel right, a home lift could offer the perfect solution for staying in the home you love. Explore our range of Stiltz home lifts, including the Duo and Trio models, designed to blend seamlessly into your home.

Contact our team today to learn more, or visit the Stiltz blog for more advice and inspiration on staying in your home for longer.