Downsizing for Retirement

New research suggests that in the UK, 5.7 million people are considering moving to smaller homes. With the population getting older, many of these will be those downsizing for retirement, either to release equity from their home or to live in a smaller, more manageable property. 

We look at what should be considered when planning this move:

Moving away
Many of those downsizing may also look to move location; to be closer to family or to realise a retirement dream. Think carefully about the impact on your lifestyle and social circle by moving away. Also consider the local amenities, the proximity of shops and the doctor’s surgery, local transport and access to the types of hobbies or clubs that you are interested in. You may want to move to somewhere you have previously only visited when on holiday, so do try and view things through the eyes of a resident rather than a tourist and stay there out of season before making any life changing decision.

Travelling in retirement
For many people, downsizing is a means to releasing equity tied up in their home and you may wish to fund some travel plans. If you plan to be away from home for a considerable time you could rent out your home and earn an income from it during your travels. Here at Belvoir, we can advise on all aspects of letting out your home and can manage it all in your absence.

Cost of moving
Make sure you factor in all the costs of moving as it can be an expensive business. You need to include Estate Agents selling fees, legal costs, removal costs and stamp duty. Quotes for each of these can be obtained in advance so you are fully aware of what you need to allow for.

Starting a new business
It may be your dream to start your own business once you retire. Take time to thoroughly research the business of your choice. Speak to others in the same trade and check out competition in the area. It may be advisable to discuss your plans with an accountant or other business experts and seek out all help and advice that’s available to you.

Positive outlook
Once you have decided on a new location and have started looking for a new home, it is only natural to consider what you are leaving behind. You may have lived in the same house and place for a long time and adjusting to a new property and new area can seem daunting but try and keep a positive outlook on the whole process – this is the start of a new adventure!

Whatever course you decide to take, the key to successful downsizing is to think every element through carefully and not to rush into making the decision. If you are at the early stages of your planning, one of our experienced team can visit your home and give you a market valuation so that you have a figure to work with as you progress your plans. Please pop in and see us, call us on 01264 366611 or email sales@belvoirandover.com

Introducing Vicky Bowman

We are delighted to announce that Vicky Bowman has joined Belvoir as Lettings Manager. Vicky will head up our very successful lettings team and she brings a wealth of experience to the role; having been a Lettings Manager in Andover for over 14 years.

Vicky said 'I am delighted to join such a busy and well-regarded lettings agent and I am looking forward to meeting and working with the many landlords that rely on Belvoir to manage their properties'

Welcome to our newest Team Members

A big welcome to our three new starters Charlie, Chris and Lucy. They have recently joined the business due to continued success and growth in Sales and Lettings.

Charlie joins our busy lettings team as a Lettings Negotiator where she will assist the rest of the lettings team marketing landlords properties and letting them to fully referenced tenants and achieving the best possible return for our landlords. Charlie, whom is extremely professional, has already demonstrated her skills and salesmanship by successfully letting 9 properties in her first two weeks!!  

Chris joins us as Sales & Lettings Administrator. Part of Chris’ role is to sales chase our sold properties as he has a wealth of experience in the conveyancing sector having joined us from a local conveyancing firm. 'Sales progression' is an unsung ingredient of estate agency as this kicks in after a sale is agreed (Sold subject to contract) and is essential for getting a sale all the way through to completion. 

Lucy has joined our ever growing sales department as a Sales Negotiator. Lucy is a young and dynamic individual with heaps of enthusiasm and a natural motivated sales personality. Lucy will be assisting the rest of the team to market our vendors properties for sale, finding buyers and assisting our clients in deciding which offer to take. Within 2 weeks, Lucy has already successfully sold 5 properties!!

We wish Charlie, Chris and Lucy the very best and welcome them to our team of property professionals here at our Andover town centre office. 

Job Opportunity - Senior Sales Negotiator

Due to our continued expansion we are now looking for a Senior Sales Negotiator.

The successful candidate must have a positive attitude and structured approach to their work. It is preferred that the successful candidate will already have experience of the sales process within estate agency. A clean driving licence and good references are essential.

The Role:

• Market Appraisal/Vaulations
• Identify potential buyers and securing quality viewings
• Chat face to face with potential buyers to find out their requirements
• Carry out viewings
• Ability to negotiate a sale price and close a sale quickly
• Follow up viewings and secure offers where possible
• Although leads do come in daily via email and telephone, you will be required to generate additional leads
• Canvassing

Skills Required:

• Self-motivated, target driven, results orientated and customer service focused.
• Able to work well within a team
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to negotiate.
• A good understanding of general computer systems is required
• Must have clean driving licence
• Outgoing, sociable & well presented
• Have a 'can-do' attitude

Working Hours: 
Mon - Fri: 9.00am - 6.00pm 
Saturday: 9.00am - 4.00pm (alternate)

Job Type: Full-time
Remuneration: £Negotiable


Belvoir are part of a national network of over 170 offices, each one owned and operated by local property professionals. The Andover office is consistently within the top 5 in the network and is considered one of the flagship offices. Belvoir are one of the highest regarded agents in the UK and have been awarded GOLD by The Sunday Times for the last 5 years. The company has built it's reputation and success on getting the job done whilst delivering award winning levels of customer service . Belvoir Andover have been in the town since 1997 and will be celebrating it's 20 Years with a total revamp of their Bridge Street offices.

So if you'd like to get into property and join the most regarded agent in the town, please send a copy of your CV to andrew.bailey@belvoirandover.com