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Developing Property For Downsizing Couples

After all their children have grown up and have moved away, the large family house is no longer needed so it is common for couples planning their retirement to want to move to a smaller home that will be easier to look after.

When developing a property which will appeal to an elderly couple who are downsizing there are a number points to bear in mind.

Bungalows are the most popular choices for couples who are starting their retirement. Normally they will be looking for 2 bedrooms (one for themselves and a guest room for visitors). They will also like a conservatory and a small garden where they can sit outside during the summer. The garden must be easy to maintain. The property needs to be well decorated as they are unlikely to want the disruption and inconvenience of organizing the redecoration themselves.

Safe neighborhoods

They will want to live in what is considered to be a safe neighborhood. If they have a car they will want a garage or an off-road parking space. If they no longer have a car they will want to either be close to the city center or have access to good transport facilities. As they are getting older and less agile they will want to avoid buying a house with lots of stairs to climb - so they are likely to prefer ground floor flats or bungalows.

Surplus cash

One reason for downsizing is that their large family house is likely to be worth much more than the smaller home they are planning to buy and they can use the surplus cash to enjoy their retirement.