Older Homeowners Are Reluctant To Downsize Their Homes According To New Research

41% of over-65s believe they live in a home which is larger than they need (Image: Karl Hendon)

Over-65s now have a ­whopping 10 million spare ­bedrooms between them – many of which rarely get used,

research found.

Many are reluctant to downsize as they want to be able to host their families for Christmas and are worried about the stress of moving.

Others stay put because they want to pass their homes to family members when they die.

The poll of 2,000 homeowners over 65 found that 41% believe they live in a home which is larger than they need.

Nine in 10 homeowners over 65 either live alone or just with their partner, yet 71% are in homes with three bedrooms or more.

The research by property website Zoopla found there are 2.6 million homes in the UK that could be put to use by larger families and first-time buyers.

The online estate agent said the statistics explain the “lack of supply of three-bed homes” in the UK, which is the most in-demand property type in the nation.

Now Zoopla is urging pensioners to downsize as a “domino effect” of short supply is affecting young homeowners and first-time buyers. Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, said: “We know that three-bedroom homes are very popular for first-time buyers, but there are simply not enough on the market.”

Mr Copley stressed: “We are not here to tell homeowners what to do. But we can help arm homeowners with the tools they may need to make their next move.

“And for those that are considering downsizing, it could increase the supply of suitable properties for younger buyers so they can find their perfect home.”