A Guide to Downsizing

Written by Suffolk Building Society

8 Jul 2025

4 min read

As life changes, so do our housing needs. Whether you’re an empty nester with more space than you need, or are simply looking to reduce your living expenses, downsizing can be a smart and practical move.

While the thought of moving to a smaller home can be daunting, it also brings exciting opportunities to simplify your lifestyle and make the most of your finances.

Why downsizing might be right for you

  • Lower living costs: Moving to a smaller property often means reduced mortgage payments, utility bills, and maintenance costs.
  • Free up equity: Downsizing can allow you to release equity tied up in your home, giving you the financial freedom to enjoy life, travel, or invest elsewhere.
  • Less upkeep: A smaller home means less cleaning, fewer repairs, plus more time to enjoy your hobbies and interests.
  • Adapt to changes in lifestyle: As we get older, having a home that’s easy to move around in becomes more important. Downsizing can help you find a place that works for your needs now and in the future.

How our downsizing guide can help

Our comprehensive downsizing guide is designed to make the process smoother and less overwhelming. It covers:

  • What is downsizing?
  • When do people downsize?
  • The benefits of downsizing
  • The downsides of downsizing
  • Downsizing finances
  • Downsizing after divorce
  • Talking to your family

The guide is free to download on the link below.

Downsizing doesn’t always mean being mortgage-free. If you’re downsizing and need mortgage advice, speak to your broker or contact us.

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