EMPOWER YOUR DOWNSIZING

Downsizing is the in thing right now. Many people want to reap the benefits of lower monthly costs than they’re used to. Others are just happy to have less floor space to clean. Plus, market conditions and selling options are complementary to this trend. It’s now easier and potentially more profitable to downsize in the UK.

However, the obvious adjustment that can be difficult is getting into the smaller space. So, we’ve got some tips. We’re going to look into this downsizing trend. Then, it’s onto some great ways to help you make even tiny rooms feel bigger. This way, you can get the financial benefits of downsizing while keeping the sense of being in a bigger room.

Selling up to size down is trending

The spring and summer months are notoriously the most active for the UK housing market. Even with stutters earlier in the year, this is proving to be the case in 2024. In late May, a new record average house price was recorded. Now, it’s up to £375,000.

The surge has been put down to a backlog of people pausing and waiting for market conditions to improve. From there, those wanting bigger homes can go in with larger deposits. At the same time, people looking to sell larger houses can get more for their properties. In the same loop, more smaller homes may be freed up.

In April, reports made the rounds that more and more people were looking to downsize in the UK. Many cited lower mortgage costs as being a big selling point. Some switches from four to three-bedroom houses pocket around £110,000. Reduced stress, lower costs, and maybe a bit of extra upfront cash play into the siren song of downsizing.

Also helping is the abundance of buying options. Some will test the market through estate agents. Others will opt for the online services that stand as cash house buyers. Without any hidden fees and being a UK operator, these cash buyers guarantee a free cash offer within minutes. On top of this, the final quoted price is guaranteed to be paid in full and in as little as seven days. So, getting the cash for a home to then downsize is now much smoother.

Making the most of the smaller spaces

With a new, smaller home on the horizon, how do you go about preparing to decorate? The first key is to get rid of any clutter that used to be used to pad your larger rooms. Then, pick one colour for each room. This will cover the walls from the floor and then across the ceiling. Doing this gives the perception of an envelope of space. However, there are arguments on both sides as to whether you go with a dark and dramatic colour or a much lighter one.

With the room encased in colour, be selective with your decorations. Many recommend oversized art pieces. This could be a big landscape painting or a mural. Alternatively, you could expand the room to the eye with a hefty mirror. Visually, a mirror looks like it essentially doubles the space.

Downsizing is on the rise, and it’s easy to see why – especially as it’s quite easy to make small rooms feel big.