Children Now Adults
Probably the number one reason why people seek a smaller home. The children are grown up and have moved out, and the home now feels a little too big.

Family Ties
A popular and exciting reason to downsize is to be nearer to family.

New Lease of Life
Downsizing is sometimes painted in a negative light. Still, we’ve experienced dozens of occasions where the sellers wanted to free up some cash to take once-in-a-lifetime holidays and enjoy hobbies in their golden years.

Living Luxuriously
Far from the misconception that downsizing is a step back on the property ladder, you can often get a lot more for your money if you need less space. Centrally located luxury apartments often cost significantly less than large family homes.

A Change of Scenery
The concept of a ‘forever home’ has changed considerably over the years. We’re seeing many sellers looking to downsize so they can buy a property out of town, by the coast or in their favourite location.

Death
Sadly, the death of a partner or spouse can lead to needing to move on and reduce outgoings and create a desire for change.

Divorce
A common reason for downsizing and a situation where experience, sensitivity, and expertise are needed from any estate agent involved in the sale.

We’re on Your Side
Ultimately the decision is yours, and we never pressure anyone into making it. You must do what’s right for you in your current situation and looking ahead to the future.

What’s Ahead?
We’ve spoken with many people looking to downsize who felt anxious and a degree of guilt. For some, it was a fear of change or perceived loss of status. For others, it was feeling guilty about selling the family home and leaving memories behind. The good news is that the memories come with you, but we always say to people you should only sell when you are at peace doing so.

Think Ahead
Do you see yourself living by the coast and enjoying leisurely walks along a seafront? Or are you desperate to see more of your grandchildren? Do you want the security of a nice sum in the bank if you ever needed it? Whatever your vision for your future is, any move you make now must help you to achieve those life goals.

Plan Ahead
Planning a move takes time, requires budgeting, and there is a lot to get sorted. Once you’ve decided to sell, you need to start chipping away at all the different jobs you need to get done. See the checklist at the end of this guide.

Get Ahead
If you are going to move, start making your life easier come moving day by decluttering as early as possible. Get your legal paperwork in order in
advance and think about the effect a move will have on your finances.

Full Steam Ahead
We’re not just saying it, but instructing the right estate agent can be the difference between success and failure when it comes to moving onto a new chapter in your life. Our advice is to call three agents in to give you a valuation (sometimes known as a market appraisal). Any valuation they give should be supported by comparable evidence. Go with the agent who you feel you can work with and who has backed up their valuation with a clear plan of how they will achieve it.

*Word of Caution Budget fee agents often provide a cheap but not so cheerful service.

Is now the right time to move?
Only you will know this for sure. It’s worth discussing your plans with friends and family and getting their opinion. We can give you a data-driven overview of the local property market, so you get a clear understanding of what’s
happening.

What taxes do I need to pay when moving?
If the property you are selling is your primary home, no capital gains tax will apply. Depending on the property you are buying, you most probably would need to pay Land Transaction Tax (LTT). We would be happy to advise you on LTT thresholds, and we can introduce you to financial advisers if you wish.

Someone we know is looking for a bigger home, we’re looking for a smaller home. Is a swap a possibility?
Theoretically, yes, but in our years of experience, it never happens. This is due to circumstances, changing minds, and finances. The chances of the person buying your home having a property that ticks all your boxes are tiny.

How will you ensure our sale progresses from an offer to a completed deal?
It’s an excellent question. A large percentage of sales fall through due to several reasons, but one of the biggest is poor sales progression and a lack of ongoing communication by the selling agent. We borrow a phrase from the world of everyone’s favourite sci-fi character, Dr Who, to ensure you and your buyer are continually updated with any news.
We’ve adapted his arch-enemies’ mantra: ‘Exterminate, exterminate, exterminate!’ and put our own spin on it: ‘Communicate, communicate, communicate!’ When it comes to selling properties, our experience shows you can never overcommunicate to keep everyone in the picture.

We/ I would like a quick sale. Are these cash buying companies trustworthy?
While we wouldn’t criticise any of our colleagues in that sector of the home sale industry, we can say you’d get more for your property selling through an estate agent.

The price you would be offered by one of these companies reflects your need for speed and is usually significantly less than you’d get on the open market with professional marketing and area
expertise.

We / I need to achieve a certain amount for our property to fund our future. How will you help us achieve that sum?
The figure you have in mind needs to be realistic and achievable. While no estate agent can guarantee your home will sell for a certain amount, there are four fundamental factors involved in the process that influence the amount
achieved. These are:

1) Location – Where the property is and the amenities, services, and environment around it.

2) Presentation – What condition is the property currently in and how could it be improved if necessary.

3) Agent – This is the critical choice you’ll make when selling your home. Instructing an experienced agent with a good track record can often leave you with thousands of pounds more in your pocket due to a successful sale.

4) Strategy – Any agent can promise a premium price. What is far more beneficial to you is knowing the strategy and process your agent will follow to ensure you’ll get the best possible price. We have a clear process and strategy in place to sell homes like yours.