JANE SLADE gets the low down on great hotspots for downsizers from agents around the country
Deborah Catchpole, Strutt & Parker St Albans, says: “When looking for a house to downsize to, it’s important to think about what you want to take with you. For some people it’s really important that they are able to bring certain pieces of furniture with them – perhaps something which has been in their family for a long time.
“It can make the move to a smaller house more emotionally manageable, to be able to have your own things around you. That said; there are always compromises to be made, and a smaller home will inevitably mean that you need to leave some things behind – or pass them on to the next generation.
“Thinking about what you can bear to part with at the start of the sales process can help you to get prepared long before the move, but it’s important not to get rid of all of your large pieces of furniture before viewings happen, as it can leave rooms looking empty, and unlived in – it’s a lot easier for potential purchasers to imagine their family in your home if it looks lived in!”
“Downsizers need to genuinely downsize and not buy a ‘slightly smaller’ house in which they try and fit all their belongings” advises Edward Brassey, Strutt & Parker Market Harborough. “Part of that downsizing process is the cathartic experience of working out which belongings to keep, which to give to relations, sell on Ebay or simply take to the local landfill site!
“If you are moving nearer your children and therefore grandchildren, pick somewhere which is close, but not too close; you don’t want to end up being used as babysitters all the time! Newer is better – everything works, there will be good modern double glazing and there will (should!) be a logic to how things are laid out. You don’t want to spend your retirement time on maintenance of a listed building!
“Have neighbours who can keep an eye on the house – you need a good ‘lock up and leave’ and part of retirement is freeing yourself up to travel. Pick a village with plenty of services nearby – a village shop is vital and a good sense of community where there are regular get togethers and activities organised.”
Good downsizing locations
Cirencester: Minerva Court is part of a small development of properties for the over 55s. Number 3 Minerva Court has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two reception rooms. The property has only just launched and is priced at £300,000.
Online link: search.struttandparker.com/residential/minerva-court-tower-street-cirencester-gloucestershire-gl7/39586
Also for sale is number 18 Minerva Court search.struttandparker.com/residential/minerva-court-cirencester-gloucestershire-gl7/21018
Geddington, Kettering: The Coach House
West Street, Geddington, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN14 1BD
Guide Price £395,000
Strutt & Parker Market Harborough 01858 433 123
Online link: search.struttandparker.com/residential/west-street-geddington-kettering-northamptonshire-nn14/23997
Bourton-On-The-Water: Meadow View, Meadow View, Bourton-On-The-Water, Cheltenham, GL54 2GH, Guide Price £399,950 (pictured top)
Strutt & Parker Moreton 01608 650502
Online link: search.struttandparker.com/residential/meadow-view-bourton-on-the-water-cheltenham-gl54/21485
Anona Vanlawick, Strutt & Parker Moreton, says: “Bourton-On-The-Water is a town that provides everything one could need – doctors, dentists, tea rooms, cafes, restaurants, library, shops. Beautiful scenery and places for the grand children to visit – the model village and birdland to name a few. We are selling Meadow View, which has an ideal small garden so is easy to maintain but somewhere to sit and enjoy views of the meadow and wildlife from the summer house.”
Newmarket: Apartment 2, North Lodge, Heath Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8AB
Guide Price £735,000
Strutt & Parker Cambridge 01223 459500
Online link: search.struttandparker.com/residential/north-lodge-heath-road-newmarket-suffolk-cb8/39744
Belinda Holmes-Smith, Strutt & Parker Cambridge, says: “Newmarket is the perfect place to downsize being a more affordable alternative to Cambridge with thriving cafes, local independent shops, a Waitrose supermarket and popular restaurants on its high street. There are pretty surrounding villages with good pubs and lovely walks. Apartment 2, North Lodge has just come to the market and provides ground floor accommodation and boasts excellent views over the rolling gallops. Being close to town centre means you can easily hop on a train to Cambridge and London.”
