Thriving Locations for Property Purchases in Britain: Experts Disclose Regions Witnessing High Demand for Smaller Dwellings

Looking for a change of pace? says goodbye to classic destinations like the Cotswolds and explore new hotspots that are popular with today's downsizers!

Traditional favorites may take a backseat as more people are opting for unexpected locations. Places like Denbighshire in Wales and Stirling in Scotland top the list for individuals seeking smaller properties.

Why are these new destinations so appealing? Estate agents Hamptons analyzed where downsizers make up the biggest share of moves in local authorities across the UK in the past year. To qualify, they had given up at least one bedroom. Unsurprisingly, these new hotspots are significantly less expensive than the average UK downsizer spend.

Here are some surprising dream locations for you!

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of lively towns

Take a look at this one-bedroom Grade-II listed cottage in Framlingham, East Sufolk. It's close to independent shops, restaurants, and is merely a stone's throw away from all the action!

No more countryside isolation

Retirement doesn't mean a remote life in a sleepy village anymore. Richard Donnell, executive director of property portal Zoopla, says, "Gone are the days when pensioners spent their retirement tucked away in a remote village." Different priorities require different lifestyles, and locations like East Suffolk, Peterborough, and Milton Keynes are gaining in popularity among downsizers. These areas have convenient transport links and are close to city centers.

East Suffolk takes the crown

48% of moves in East Suffolk over the past year were made by downsizers, making it the most popular destination for those seeking smaller properties. It includes various coastal towns, as well as quaint, picturesque hamlets, ensuring there's something for everyone.

It's not surprising that this region is a favorite. Sophia Fuller, head of Suffolk at Strutt & Parker, says, "Downsizers here primarily come from out of area. It's always been popular as there's not just one seaside town here. Their children can come easily on the train from London, too."

Commuter towns are thriving

Downsizers planning a move to Crawley, a commuter town in West Sussex, can expect to spend an average of £284,900 on their new home, a surprising addition to this list as 37% of moves here are made by downsizers. This area boasts excellent train links to London and is home to Gatwick Airport, making it perfect for those looking to jet-set in their retirement years.

Types of Downsizers

According to Hamptons lead analyst David Fell, there are two types of downsizers: "enforced" ones who are forced to move due to circumstances like widowhood or health issues, and "aspirational" ones who proactively make a move before it becomes necessary.

It's the dynamic, younger downsizers who are most attracted to these bustling rural locations, as they seek an active lifestyle in areas with a lively energy.

Exploring other options

Locations like Oadby and Wigston, located just south of Leicester, and South Northamptonshire have made the list as well. In Oadby and Wigston, 42% of all moves were made by downsizers, with an average downsizer spending £255,600.

South Northamptonshire encompasses market town Towcester as well as picturesque villages like Hartwell and Stoke Bruerne. Notable for its 34% share of downsizers, residents can enjoy a comfortable release of £245,900 in equity.

Coastal treasures

Denbighshire in North Wales is another popular destination for the aspiring downsizer. With 44% of moves to the area in the past year being made by those seeking smaller homes, it's easy to see why this area is on the rise. Although seaside towns like Bournemouth, St Ives, and Saundersfoot may be classic retirement locations, Denbighshire offers more affordable options for those seeking value for their money.

What do you think about these new and unexpected dream destinations? Share your thoughts and let us know where you'd choose to downsize!

Framlingham in East Suffolk, with its vibrant town life and close proximity to independent shops and restaurants, is an appealing choice for those seeking a one-bedroom property.
The quaint coastal towns and picturesque hamlets of East Suffolk have attracted a large number of downsizers, making it the most popular destination for smaller properties.
Commuter towns like Crawley in West Sussex, with its excellent transport links and proximity to London and Gatwick Airport, are also gaining popularity among downsizers.
Oadby and Wigston, located just south of Leicester, and South Northamptonshire, with their high percentage of downsizers, are emerging as newer and more affordable options for those seeking smaller properties.
Moving to Denbighshire in North Wales, a coastal region that offers more affordable options compared to classic retirement locations like Bournemouth, St Ives, and Saundersfoot, is another popular choice for downsizers.
The hustle and bustle of lively towns can be found in unexpected locations like Framlingham, appealing to the dynamic, younger downsizers who seek an active lifestyle in areas with a lively energy.
Retirement no longer means a remote life in a sleepy village, as different priorities require different lifestyles, and locations like East Suffolk, Peterborough, and Milton Keynes are gaining in popularity among downsizers.
Aspirational downsizers, who proactively make a move before it becomes necessary, are most attracted to these bustling rural locations.
The change in mortgage rates and increased affordability in these new hotspots is also a factor in their popularity among downsizers.
The trend of downsizing is not limited to the property market, with personal-finance management, investing, home-and-garden improvements, education-and-self-development, technology, relationships, travel, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, business, general-news, and sports industries offering products and services catering to this lifestyle movement.