A handy guide to moving to a smaller home
When you buy a new home from Barratt, rest assured that smaller doesn't mean compromising on quality. We make it easy and convenient to downsize – read below to find out why now’s a great time to do it.
Why now's a good time to make your move
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.
We can help you get moving
Our Movemaker scheme lets you sell your existing home with no estate agent fees
To help you on your way, we could pay your estate agent fees when you buy new. The Movemaker application process is simple and straightforward. We’ll arrange for an independent surveyor and estate agent to value your current home, and once a selling price is agreed we’ll instruct an estate agent to market your home and cover all their fees for you.
Real peace of mind in your new home
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.