Blog - Property market - Selling

Do we stay or do we go now?!?

At this time of year, many young people have secured places, started preparing and are getting excited to fly the nest to start their university journey. Others are just finishing their university courses and have decided to stay in their university towns and cities…Where does this leave parents, with their family homes starting to feel a bit empty?...Are you experiencing the empty-nest conundrum: do we stay or do we go now?!?Here at Ribston Pippin we know that this step can cultivate an empty-nest conundrum and many start to consider options for the future: do we stay put in our family home or downsize as the kids fly?While some people like the idea of staying put as empty nesters – to ensure they have room for children coming back to visit or space for future grandchildren to stay… a growing number are choosing to downsize and move to cities, retirement communities or bustling villages.Last year, figures showed that nearly 4 million homeowners over 55 plan to downsize – but it is convenience rather than the cash that is their biggest motivation, according to research from Prudential*.  The nationwide study found nearly half (47 per cent) of over-55 homeowners are planning to sell and move to cheaper homes.  Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) rated convenience as their main reason for downsizing compared with just 28 per cent who said they were doing so mainly to release cash for retirement.We understand that managing the emotional stress of downsizing a home can be a very difficult time in your life and the reasons for downsizing a home is not just the empty-nest syndrome but could be; convenience, financial, health issues or moving to be nearer family members who may have stayed in their university towns and cities.We can help you downsize…Change can be good but the transition can still feel uncomfortable.  Our trusted team are on hand to help give advice to those who are considering downsizing now or in the future or to help guide those who feel stuck in an empty-nest conundrum – should we stay or should we go!?!Lisa says: “Customer service is our life blood. We are really proud to be a small independent estate agent. We love that we have great relationships with our clients and that our service levels really are appreciated.  I think it's really key, to take the time to get to know clients and listen to their needs.“People are often afraid of the unknown. We can help you to plan, as best you can, what the future will look like and this can help diminish the emotional stress.“We can help you to identify exactly why you are downsizing, and revisit this goal often as you continue through the process.”  We recently helped Jackie Thomas move out of her family home of 25 years, she said: “Ribston Pippin were fantastic, trust worthy estate agents. Very supportive throughout and all the staff