A survey carried out by the high street lender among 2,000 British adults aged 55 years and over uncovered that just 36 per cent would downsize their property.
One in five insisted that their next purchase would be of the “same size” or a “larger property” but 43 per cent said they never planned to move again.
Those polled said that space was the main reason for staying put, identified by 49 per cent. Needing room to host family was chosen by 22 per cent, housing the lifetime of possessions they have amassed picked by 18 per cent, while 10 per cent said the need the bigger home to enjoy their hobbies.
However, staying where they’ve put down roots was also important, with 43 per cent stating their home location was the reason for wanting to stay, while 18 per cent said being close to family was another.
Three quarters would stay if possible
For those willing to downsize, more than half said it was because a smaller house would be easier for them to manage or easier for them to get around in old age. But 73 per cent said they would stay in their current house if they could.
Although many want to stay in their home for the long term with 54 per cent seeing their current home as their forever home, 47 per cent either did not know or had not thought about how they will cope with their home in old age.
But rather than have a clear plan, more than a fifth said they would rely on family to help them out with maintaining the property.
Around a quarter would also consider using equity release to allow them to stay in their current homes with respondents saying they have, on average, £115,559 in equity.
Jason Hurwood, Nationwide’s director of home propositions, said: “The perception that all older people want to downsize to much smaller properties is outdated and cliched.
“As the research shows, people aged 55 and above are putting off the traditional downsizing house move, with space being very much in demand for a range of reasons – from entertaining friends and family to allowing them to keep and store valuable keepsakes and belongings.
“However, remaining in a larger property may have financial implications in later life, from mortgages to maintenance.”
