Bristol has been named the best location in England for older homeowners looking to downsize, according to new research from over-50s property specialists Regency Living.
The analysis examined more than one million current property listings to identify the areas with the highest proportion of one and two-bedroom homes for sale – the size of property most often sought by those freeing up equity or reducing the running costs of larger family homes.
Across England, 38% of listings are made up of one or two-bedroom properties, but the figures vary sharply by county.
In Bristol, almost half (46%) of all homes currently on the market fall into this category, providing downsizers with greater choice than anywhere else in the country. Berkshire follows closely with 44%, Hertfordshire at 43%, and Dorset and Greater Manchester both at 42%. Surrey and East Sussex each recorded 41%.
REGIONAL DISPARITY
At the other end of the scale, Rutland offers the least choice for downsizers, with just 21% of properties meeting the one or two-bedroom threshold. Herefordshire, Shropshire and Lincolnshire all stand at 24%, while Staffordshire and Northamptonshire each sit at 26%.
The disparity highlights the challenges facing many older homeowners seeking to move, particularly in more rural counties where larger family homes dominate supply.
Tim Simmons, Sales & Marketing Director at Regency Living, says: “Our research highlights the postcode lottery facing downsizers, with some parts of the country offering an abundance of suitable homes, while in others the choice is far more limited.
“For those in areas with little available stock, the search for the right property can be frustrating and time-consuming.”
