Empty-nesters are setting a new ‘downsizing’ property trend in Calderdale, swapping old for new-build homes.

Great British Life: Homeowners want to take advantage of advances in technology available in new homes. Picture: Saul Caldwell Ltd.Homeowners want to take advantage of advances in technology available in new homes. Picture: Saul Caldwell Ltd. (Image: Archant)

The sentimental investment in a long-standing family home is immense but, as the children grow up and make their own way in the world, some couples in the 55-plus age group are checking out the advantages of houses built for the 21st century.

The idea of "downsizing" - moving from a big house to a smaller one - has gained currency in the UK as the number of people living on pensions grows.

However, there is an alternative: "same-sizing" - moving from an older house to a new one of the same size, but with the advantages of value for money, improved energy efficiency, modern facilities and appliances and, in some cases, the opportunity to influence the layout and specification.

Great British Life: Smaller exclusive new-build developments give clients the opportunity to influence layout and design. Picture: Saul Caldwell Ltd.Smaller exclusive new-build developments give clients the opportunity to influence layout and design. Picture: Saul Caldwell Ltd. (Image: Archant)

For example, according to the National House-Building Council, a home built to the latest building regulations can cost half as much to heat as a Victorian house of the same size.

Over the last five years, Ben Waites, a director with long-established estate agent Charnock Bates, has observed a trend for same-sizing in West Yorkshire's Calderdale district.

"People in their fifties and sixties are looking for more manageable properties," he says. "And they may not be looking for something smaller than the property they're moving from."

With offices in Halifax, Huddersfield, Ripponden and London's Mayfair, Charnock Bates specialises in higher end properties in the M62 corridor where numerous smaller scale, exclusive new property developments are in the pipeline for 2020.

"We find our mature clients have quite modern requirements," says Ben, who has more than 20 years' experience in estate agency. "They want to take advantage of advances in technology available in new homes and are attracted by the eco credentials of modern construction methods.

"They're also looking to buy off-plan focusing on smaller exclusive new-build developments, giving them the opportunity to influence layout and design. At their time of life, for instance, they might opt to reduce from five to four good-sized bedrooms. They're interested in ensuite bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes and open plan.

"There's a lot of pent-up demand for property pre-Brexit in Calderdale, where we deal with a lot of new homes."

Ben adds: "We're able to help clients with selling their old home and buying the new one. After decades in the same home, it can seem daunting to move. We're happy to advise along the way."

For more information, visit www.charnockbates.co.uk