New research has revealed where in England downsizers have the greatest choice of suitable homes to move to and where they face the toughest search based on the availability of suitable stock in the current market.
Regency Living analysed current property market listings, looking at the proportion of one and two-bedroom homes for sale across each county in England as a percentage of all homes listed for sale. These smaller homes are often the preferred choice for downsizers seeking to free up equity and reduce the costs and maintenance associated with larger properties.
The research shows that, across England, 38% of current for-sale listings are one or two-bedroom homes, meaning that in many areas, downsizers face competition for suitable properties, particularly in more rural counties where larger family homes dominate the market.
Outside of London, the best location for downsizers is the City of Bristol, where almost half (46%) of all homes currently listed for sale are one or two-bedroom properties.
Berkshire follows closely with 44% of stock meeting this downsizer criteria, with Hertfordshire next at 43%. Other strong performers include Dorset and Greater Manchester (both 42%), as well as Surrey and East Sussex (both 41%).
In contrast, the worst downsizer availability is found in Rutland, where just 21% of homes listed for sale are one or two-bedroom properties.
Herefordshire, Shropshire and Lincolnshire follow with just 24% each, while Staffordshire and Northamptonshire sit at 26%. In these markets, downsizers face a much more limited choice and may struggle to find a suitable smaller property without compromising on location or amenities.
Tim Simmons, sales and marketing director at Regency Living, commented: “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."
