After the passing of her husband two years ago, Susan Wainwright, a 73-year-old yoga teacher from the Kentish village of Headcorn, found herself living in a portion of the large family home she had shared for 25 years. With her two adult children living independently, the vast four-bedroom property was largely empty, serving as a constant reminder of her loss. Confronted with the reality of underutilized space and a desire to move forward, Wainwright made the decision to downsize.
Choosing to sell her house for £550,000, she purchased a smaller three-bedroom new-build at Hartley Acres in nearby Cranbrook. The move brought her closer to her daughter and grandchildren, strengthening familial ties in this new phase of life. She described the process as both a practical step and an emotional turning point: “Some people stay in a home because they can’t bear to leave it. But I decided it was time to forge ahead and find life again.”
Wainwright’s experience underscores a broader trend in the UK housing market. According to a recent analysis by Savills, the number of downsizers fell by 3.9% in 2025-26 to 131,200, dipping below the decade average. This slowdown is partly due to a shortage of suitably sized properties for older homeowners seeking to move, a situation exacerbated by rising construction costs and sluggish building rates. Moreover, longer transaction times present a further challenge; data from Rightmove shows that the average duration from listing to completion now stands at 216 days—the longest on record.
The key demographic of homeowners aged over 60 accounts for 44% of all homeownership but only 18.5% of home movers. One reason is the financial burden associated with moving, including stamp duty and removal expenses, which can offset potential savings. Nick Withinshaw, director at Jackson-Stops Chester, highlights that many older owners prefer to remain in their current homes rather than face these costs and logistical complications.
Those contemplating downsizing are advised to approach the process methodically. Starting with a clear decision to relocate, as Wainwright did by weighing the pros and cons, can provide much-needed clarity amid a complex undertaking. Decluttering is another critical step, particularly for those who have accumulated decades of possessions. Experts recommend a ruthless approach to sorting through belongings, with many downsizers seeking help from professional house-clearers or organisers to expedite the process.
Estate agents note that families may also need to set firm boundaries regarding unwanted items left by relatives. James Rideout, an estate agent who recently downsized himself, recounted cases where clients resorted to drastic measures—such as hiring skips and issuing deadlines to adult children to claim their belongings—to manage household clear-outs effectively.
Despite the challenges, those who downsize successfully often find renewed comfort and purpose in their new homes. For Wainwright, moving was not merely a practical necessity but a way to embrace new opportunities and maintain close family relationships, illustrating the complex interplay of emotional and economic factors influencing the decision to downsize in today’s housing environment.