Most older people who own their homes are not interested in downsizing even if suitable alternative accommodation or financial incentives are available, a new study by the Department of Housing has found. The research explored how open so-called “empty nesters” were to downsizing and what kind of measures would encourage them to move. It found that more than 75 per cent of the 560,000 householders aged 55 and above who own their homes had no appetite to downsize. It concluded that a number of “supportive” rather than punitive measures could encourage people to downsize, including improving the local supply of specifically designed housing units. Others said they would be open to financial incentives to move.

Source: The Irish Times November 13, 2019 17:52 UTC