A SHORTAGE of single-storey homes is dashing the hopes of many over-50s who want to downsize in the Warrington area, according to a leading property agent.
Estate agent Gascoigne Halman, which has 18 branches across South Manchester and Cheshire, reports that this year the company had 282 enquiries about single storey homes from people over-55, but less than half of those found a home in the region that suited their requirements.
Out of 1,561 properties on Gascoigne Halman’s books, only 17 per cent are single storey homes due to the shortage.
Lymm branch manager Bobby Shahlavi said: “Throughout our branches we have noticed a shortage in single storey homes. We have received a lot of queries, particularly at our Lymm branch, regarding single storey homes from over-55s in the last 12 months.
“Research has shown that more than 2.3m of over-55s in the UK are planning to look at their property value to release some equity, and downsizing to a single storey property can help them do this. We have spoken to a number of people over-55 who are looking for an alternative lifestyle option, but are struggling to find it.
“We’ve been hoping that more single storey properties would become available in the Lymm area and we were very excited to be approached recently by a park home developer who has started works on a site in Lymm, which is already generating a lot of interest ahead of completion.”
Luxury high-specification park home developer, Arbor Living, is creating 13 park homes at the former Willowpool Garden Centre in Lymm and aims to help solve the single storey housing shortage in the region.
Chief executive Graham Richardson said: “Major house builders are failing to meet the expectations of those wishing to downsize, free up equity and move to a more sustainable home.
“This is where park homes are paving the way for more luxurious single level living alternatives. The provision of high-quality park home properties allows this active sector of buyers a better quality of life, and means they can enjoy their retirement. They can travel and enjoy life, and benefit from living in a secure and welcoming community.
“There is a chronic undersupply of single level properties in Cheshire, which is why we decided to open a site at the old Willowpool Garden Centre.
Willowpool is a development unlike anything else in the country. Luxury park homes set in landscaped grounds with an adjoining private meadow and pond area, offer over-55s a smart lifestyle option when they are looking to downsize, reduce maintenance costs, and release equity in their property.
Another property at Willowpool, Lymm
