Now is the right time to move

Why a slowing market could be your biggest opportunity

You may have seen the headlines “Housing market stalling,” “Buyers holding back,” “Developers hit pause.” It’s true, things have slowed. With house price growth slowing, mortgage costs higher, planning delays and buyer confidence dipping, many developers are rethinking their plans.

And while house builders can sell in stages to fund their sites, building retirement communities must deliver the entire complex before the first keys are handed over and as a result, new developments in this sector are likely to become fewer and further between. But while the market hesitates, that doesn’t mean you have to. In fact, this may be one of the best times to consider a move.

Supply is tightening and demand is growing

The UK’s population is ageing. By 2040, the number of over-75s is projected to rise by 38%, and yet retirement living is still under-delivering, with only around 7,300 new homes completed each year. (JLL Seniors Housing Report)

And with developers delaying or reducing their build programmes due to wider market uncertainty, the number of new retirement apartments coming to market could fall even further.

At the same time, many people are staying in family-sized homes that no longer suit their needs, and this creates a bottleneck in the housing chain, not just for those wishing to downsize, but for younger families trying to move up. When people in later life have fewer options, the entire system slows.

“We were two people in a huge house, and that wasn’t fair with families looking to move.
We loved it, but the time had come.” Bill and Joan, homeowners

Waiting doesn’t always help

In a cooler market, it’s tempting to wait, but in reality, there’s no perfect time. We know from experience that when homeowners do finally make the move, they often say the same things.

 Margaret relaxing on the sofa in an elegantly dressed Adlington Apartment

“It was overwhelming at first, but Adlington gave me the support I needed, and I no longer dreaded the thought of moving.” Margaret, homeowner, told us.

Homeowner Philip’s only regret is not moving sooner. He explained: “We probably should have moved 10 years earlier. I was involved in too many things that deterred us from actually moving. We’re pleased that we’ve made the move and we’re happy here. We would definitely recommend it.”

Bess, and her new neighbour, on their way to enjoy our Great Gatsby themed evening

Bess, homeowner , at The Woodlands lamented:

“If I was giving anybody advice, the main thing that I would say would be don’t leave it too late because you get to a point when you can’t face moving.  I wish that I’d visited a retirement community maybe five years earlier as if I’d have known how good life can be, I’d have moved years ago.”

Whether it’s for lifestyle, health, finances or simply peace of mind, many of our homeowners describe the move as a positive turning point and the sooner it happens, the longer the benefits can be enjoyed.

A ripple effect that matters

Downsizing isn’t just a personal decision; it has social value too.

Releasing a family home doesn’t just make life easier for you, it makes space for others. Every home that moves from under-occupied to actively lived in helps free up housing stock and ease pressure on younger generations trying to find a suitable place to live.

It’s what we sometimes call legacy living, making a meaningful contribution simply by living well now.

Retirement living isn’t about fewer rooms, instead, it’s about more life

The benefits felt can often out way previous concerns:

• Freedom from maintenance
• 24/7 support, if and when you need it
• Built-in community and social connection
• Peace of mind for you and your family

Homeowner Avril, her son Duncan and Mike, General manager of Brookfields House

Avril, homeowner at Brookfields House, whose son lives overseas, celebrated her new life: “I’ve made new friends, and I can tell they’re going to be like a second family.”

Whilst Dr. Trevor, homeowner at The Sidings realised: “I’m more socially active here than I have been for a long time. I’d become totally isolated.”

That’s why the move can thankfully feel more like a gift than a compromise.

Why now?

Because supply is limited, and opportunities may shrink. Because the right home in the right place may not be available later. Because time, and well-being, are very precious. And because when you choose a community built with care, your move sends a message to your family and your future: “I want to live well and help others do the same.”

Now’s the time to move

• The market may be cooling, but lifestyle needs aren’t
• Retirement developments are limited in number
• Bungalows and suitable later life homes remain in short supply
• Downsizing now creates freedom for you and opportunity for others

So, while the headlines may shout slowdown, perhaps it’s time to see things differently: a moment to act boldly, live well, and shape your future with purpose.

After all, retirement living isn’t about stepping away, it’s about stepping forward into the next chapter, on your own terms.

Explore a Adlington Retirement Living community near you or find out more about our moving services

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