Downsizing To A New Home In Hampshire Can Release

Downsizing is a growing trend in the UK as property-rich fifty-somethings sell their homes. Selling the family home and buying a smaller, new property, can release cash to assist children in buying their first homes, or simply to finance a better retirement. Hampshire is a popular county for those looking for a great lifestyle, yet within easy reach of London and the major cities of the south coast. Good rail links, easy transport into shopping and leisure facilities, make the county the perfect place to plan for a long and happy retirement.

Vista in Portsmouth, is a landmark development of new one- and two-bedroom apartments by Linden Homes. 'Home of the Week' is a second-floor luxury two-bedroom apartment priced at 130,000, which enjoys a private balcony from the airy lounge and includes fitted wardrobes and en suite to the large master bedroom. A further bedroom, family bathroom and storage cupboard are set off the main entrance hallway. The fully fitted kitchen includes ceramic hob and stainless steel oven and chimney hood extractor. The high-specification extends to the pre-finished oak-effect internal doors, with chrome fittings. Parking is also included.

New show apartments are open this weekend at Splash, Southampton, also by Linden Homes. Part of the city's waterside development, Ocean Village, these well-appointed new homes lie close to the city's retail areas, cinemas, bars, restaurants and marine leisure facilities. A second-floor two-bedroom apartment with parking here is priced at 207,000, with a large living/dining room and separate fitted kitchen. The master bedroom has fitted wardrobes and modern en suite.

Taylor Wimpey is offering part exchange on a number of selected properties at its Limes Park development in Basingstoke. The 'Blatch' show home is now open, and these new three-bedroom terrace houses are priced from 204,995. The ground floor comprises a cloakroom, good-size living room with French doors to the rear garden, and fully fitted modern kitchen/diner. Upstairs, the master bedroom has a luxury en suite and there are two spacious bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Farnborough Central in Fowler Avenue, Farnborough is a new development of refurbished and new homes from developer Redrow. The 'Lynx Court' two-bedroom apartment, priced from 189,950, has two large double bedrooms, with an en suite to the master, modern bathroom and spacious open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, all finished to the highest standards.

Another great offer for those downsizing yet demanding the highest quality accommodation is Persimmon Homes' 'Home of the Week' at Tanners Gate, Fareham. Priced at 218,950, the 'Denmead' style three-bedroom home has plenty of space for visiting family and friends. Arranged on a corner plot, this new home has plenty of character. French doors lead from a large living room to a private rear garden. A separate dining room, cloakroom and fully fitted kitchen lead off a spacious hallway, and on the first floor are three good sized bedrooms and family bathroom.