An Expert Guide for Downsizing in Hampshire

An Overview

1. Have you recently retired?
2. Are your kids all grown up with families of their own?
3. Does your home feel much larger than it used to?
4. Is it true that you don’t make full use of all of the bedrooms in your house?

If you answered yes to all of these questions then it’s time to downsize.

Downsizing can seem daunting for many as it’s a time of change in your life that you maybe haven’t thought too much about before now. But it doesn’t have to be scary, in fact this time in your life is when you can be selfish and think about what makes you happy rather than making decisions just to please your family. Hampshire is a great place to downsize to due to its transport links, tranquil countryside ambience and gorgeous coastline. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a guide on the best places to live in Hampshire for those who are wanting to make the most out of their retirement.

Eastleigh

The first place on our list is Eastleigh which is located just north of Southampton. It’s close enough to Winchester that you can easily access the shops, restaurants and cinema there, and yet it’s far enough away that you feel like you’re in a small town in the middle of the countryside. A major advantage to purchasing a home in Eastleigh is the proximity to the coast as well as the New Forest, both of which are ideal if you’re looking to go for a scenic walk. The infrastructure within the town is excellent with direct links to London Waterloo and easy access to two motorways. The house prices in Eastleigh average at £330,000 but you tend to get a lot of value for money, for example the properties tend to be large, traditional homes with plenty of land. You also have the option of purchasing a property within a retirement village such as Anchor’s Bishopstoke Park which have private apartments with communal facilities and there is 24/7 staff support, should you need it. The properties in this development range from £275,000 for a one bedroom apartment up to £520,000 for a 2 bed. There’s lots on offer here such as a swimming pool, steam roof, gym, restaurant and even a delicatessen.

Hamble-le-Rice

The next place on our list of great places to live within Hampshire for retirees is Hamble-le-Rice which is found between Southampton Water and the River Hamble.  There’s plenty to keep you occupied in the town itself with delicious eateries, traditional pubs as well as various sailing clubs which are great if you’re looking to see the coastline views up close. If you’re looking for a slightly larger city with more shops and facilities Southampton is only a twenty minute drive away via the M27. The cost of property here averages at £387,000, however there are plenty of options for all budgets. McCarthy and Stone have recently built a retirement community in Folland Court which is excellently situated in the town just moments from the shops and cafes of Hamble Le Rice. Here there are two bedroom apartments for sale at £345,000 which include integrated kitchen appliances, triple glazing and chic, modern interiors. There’s plenty on offer to make the process of retiring an enjoyable one with fitness classes, craft workshops and musicals each day.

Andover

Andover is the next best place to downsize to within the county of Hampshire, located upon the River Anton. Although the average house price in Andover is £316,000 there are plenty of properties to suit all budgets, from affordable apartments in the centre to period properties in the outskirts. Andover is a stunning market town with lots to do such as visiting the local Museum, going to the Hawk Conservation or taking a trip to the nearby farm. There’s something for all ages. At the weekend you can head to the Farmers’ Market in the town centre which makes a great day out. If you’re looking to move into a retirement community in Andover there are lots of options such as Churchill Retirement Living. They have modern, state of the art apartments for sale at around £210,000. These apartments come with walk out balconies, built in wardrobes and various communal areas that are great for socialising with other retirees.

Yateley

The final place on our list is Yateley which is a small town located in the north-east of the Hart District. The town is the perfect place if you’re looking for a tranquil spot to escape to with windy country roads, traditional red sandstone properties and peaceful walking trails by the Basingstoke Canal. You can easily get a train from Yateley straight into London or down to the coast if you’re looking for a change of scenery. There are plenty of places to shop and relax within the town. Houses are on sale here for around £375,000 but there are also retirement community options which tend to have more value for money. For example, the Hampshire Lakes Development has stylish apartments for sale from £270,000 which have an on-site juice bar, reading room, deli, cafe and a craft room, as well as a health and wellness spa making it an attractive place for those looking to downsize from their existing home.

Downsizing doesn’t have to be daunting. At Clockwork Removals we have been helping people move in the Hampshire area for more than 25 years. Clockwork Removals and Storage offer accredited removals, storage and packing services to individuals and families throughout the United Kingdom. If you have any questions or if you would like to receive a complimentary quotation give us a call today on 0800 195 8671.