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Older adults across the UK are facing substantial barriers when considering a move to a more manageable home, according to a Age UK’s new report,
The charity’s ‘Late Movers’ research, based on an Opinium survey of 2,500 individuals aged 66 and over in January 2025, highlights widespread concerns.
42 percent of the respondents cited accessibility issues as a major concern, while 36 percent were troubled by affordability, and 35 percent expressed concern about the condition of their home.
Additionally, the findings show that 72 percent of people ages 66 to 74 anticipate difficulties affording a home once they reach age 75. Age UK warns that unsuitable housing in later life can put significant pressure on health and social care services, underscoring the vital importance of early planning.
If you’re starting to think about your last big move, here are seven key things to consider when downsizing or relocating later in life…
1. Closeness to friends and family
“I often see couples going down cornwall And becoming very isolated because they don’t really consider how far away they are going to be from everyone else,” says the Cornwall-based estate agent. Michael Kleinman“They are often used to seeing their grandchildren every weekend and when they move to Cornwall, they only see them for a couple of weeks in the school holidays.
“So, if you live locally and have the familiarity and social network nearby it’s a much easier move.” However, if you are still keen to relocate, the estate agent highly recommends paying attention to the transport links of your potential new area. “Think about transportation links from where your family and your network are,” advises Kleinman. “If you go to a rural area, you could be 20 miles from a train station and driving will no longer be an option.”
2. Emotional impact
The paperwork regarding a move may seem like the hardest part, but many people underestimate the emotional toll a downsizing can take.
“I think a lot of people don’t really consider the emotional side of moving from the family home where they raised all their children,” says Kleinman. “Moving from a four/five bedroom house to a bungalow means having to declutter stuff accumulated over the years and many people don’t really think about the impact on the emotional side and the logistical difficulties of what goes and what stays.
“You have to be very brutal and ruthless about it and that’s often easier said than done. A lot of downsizers start the process and then give up and stop there for a year or two because they don’t realize how tough it’s going to be mentally and emotionally.”
3. Logistics
“Another thing that a lot of people don’t consider is how different moving house is now compared to 40/50 years ago with things like EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) and online. id check,” says Kleinman. “This process can be very difficult if you are not extremely tech savvy. People Often the process starts over and takes a few weeks or months and then it feels overwhelming, so take your house off the market and reconsider.
Finding a good real estate agent who has the time to sit, listen, and guide you through this can help make it less daunting.
“Work with an independent local estate agent and someone who can actually come to your home and go there with you,” advises Kleinman.
4. Location
Make sure you do your research before making a commitment to a new location.
“If you’re thinking about moving to a different area, talk to locals in person or on social media groups to really understand that area,” Kleinman recommends. “I’m often working with clients who are visiting an area where they don’t know anyone, have never been there before or have only been there once or twice on vacation.
“Cornwall, for example, is very different in winter than in summer. If you went on holiday there in July or August, you’ll get a very different experience in January. So, it’s important to do your research to see what it’s really like to live there all year round.”
5. Access to health services and local facilities
Think carefully about what types of amenities and local services will be important to you as you age.
“Think realistically about how far away the nearest inpatient hospital facilities are, how close the local GP and NHS dentist are and find out if they are taking any new patients,” advises Kleinman. “Also, think about how easy or difficult it is to access the services you may need, as well as general town-centre amenities.”
6. Accessibility
Make sure your new home will be suitable and functional for your future.
“Bungalows and apartments are commonly seen and I think it’s especially nice to find very new bungalows,” says Kleinman. “This is because building regulations now have to follow the rules set by the Disability Discrimination Act, so many new bungalows must have things like wheelchair access, wider doors and wall-top plug sockets – features you won’t find in most seventies bungalows.”
7. Maintenance
“None of us knows what’s around the corner and how long we’ll be mobile, so you really need to think about practical life,” says Kleinman. “Do you want a large garden? Will it be practical and manageable? When will the boiler need replacing? Will the house need frequent exterior painting?”
“I would always guide clients towards a more modern property that is less maintenance. Many people think about how they are today, rather than what it will be like for them in 10/20 years.”