A handy guide to moving to a smaller home

Property values have been increasing

The demand for property in the UK continues to outstrip supply. The average house in Britain is worth just under £230,000.* Whether you want to release equity, pay off your mortgage, reduce your bills, fund your retirement, change your lifestyle or buy another property, downsizing now could ensure you maximise the value that you release from your home.

No capital gains tax to pay

Most people downsizing from a larger, more expensive property to a smaller, less expensive one are exempt from capital gains tax if it is your main residence. That means all the equity that is released by downsizing your home is tax-free and can be used as you see fit.

Downsizing as an investment

If your main reason for downsizing is to plan for your retirement and to make an investment to help finance it, you may want to use the proceeds of the sale of your current home to buy two properties – one to live in and one to provide an income and to act as an investment.

Maintaining a level of quality and finish that you deserve

A smaller home doesn’t mean lower quality. We offer an extensive range of beautiful homes in great locations with amenities to match, so you can be sure to find a home that suits you. And as an added benefit, if you reserve early you could tailor it to suit your own personal style and specification. You have the option to choose everything from bathroom finishes and fittings, kitchen cupboards and appliances, flooring and wardrobes to tiles and lighting.**

This means that you don’t have to compromise on quality when you downsize to a Barratt home.

NB: Barratt Homes does not offer financial or legal advice. We would recommend that customers take financial advice specific to their circumstances before taking any action. 

*https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-house-price-index-january-2019

** Upgrades are subject to additional cost and build stage.