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 will be worth £220,000 this year - up £9,000 on 2016.¹ 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. 

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.

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.³

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. Images may include optional upgrades. Calls to 0844 numbers cost 7 pence per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. Calls to 03 numbers are charged at the same rate as dialling an 01 or 02 number. If your fixed line or mobile service has inclusive minutes to 01/02 numbers, then calls to 03 are counted as part of this inclusive call volume. Non-BT customers and mobile phone users should contact their service providers for information about the cost of calls. 

1. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/04/05/house-prices-rise-despite-brexit-fears/
2. Although all such schemes are commonly referred to as ‘Show Home Sale and Leaseback’ they in fact involve a licence. Customers must sign a licence agreement with us. 
3. Upgrades are subject to additional cost and build stage.