Older homeowners are behind almost half (44.1%) of all instructions to sell properties in England during Q3 2026, according to new analysis by TwentyCi.
The figure represents a continued rise in activity among the over-55s, up from 42.6% in Q3 2025, 40.3% in Q3 2024 and 37.5% in Q3 2019, the last comparable quarter before the pandemic.
This demographic’s share of market activity has increased by 18% in relative terms since 2019, highlighting their growing influence on property transactions and the potential opportunities for furniture and interiors retailers.
TwentyCi suggests downsizing is believed to be a major factor behind the trend, with homeowners aged 55-64 increasingly selling larger, more expensive family properties in favour of smaller, lower-value properties.
The analysis compares properties sold by homeowners aged 55-64 in 2026 to date with those purchased by the same age group in 2025, providing an overview of selling and buying trends rather than tracking individual households.
The results, published in the company’s Property & Homemover Report for Q3 26, reveal that the median value of properties sold by this age group in 2026 was £325,300, compared with £296,700 for properties purchased by the same age group in 2025, a difference of 8.8%.
The median floor area of homes sold was 94 sqm (1,012 sqft), compared with 91 sqm (980 sqft) for homes purchased, a reduction of 3.2%. Median plot sizes also fell by 6%, from 300 sqm to 282 sqm.
The research highlights the changing preferences in the types of properties older homeowners are buying. Bungalows accounted for 7.8% of purchases among 55-64-year-olds, compared with 6.5% of sales, representing a 19.2% relative increase in their share.
In contrast, detached properties accounted for 26.1% of homes sold but just 22.8% of purchases, a relative decline of 12.6%.
Smaller family homes are also becoming more prominent. Two-bedroom properties represented 23.1% of purchases compared with 21.1% of sales, while three-bedroom homes accounted for 43.1% of purchases against 40% of sales.
Meanwhile, the share of homes with five or more bedrooms fell from 10.7% of sales to 7.9% of purchases, a relative reduction of 26.4%.
The move towards more compact properties is also reflected in floor space, with homes measuring 150 sqm or more accounting for 17.4% of sales but only 13.7% of purchases.
Properties measuring between 60 sqm and 90 sqm recorded some of the strongest relative increases in purchasing share, suggesting growing demand for moderately sized homes rather than the smallest properties available.
Colin Bradshaw, CEO of TwentyCi, says: “Older homemovers are a powerful force in the property market, creating significant opportunities for furniture retailers.
“Downsizing doesn’t necessarily mean spending less. Moving to a smaller home often triggers fresh investment in furniture and interiors, with homeowners looking for quality, comfort and clever use of space.
“This presents growing opportunities across multifunctional furniture, compact dining collections, smart storage solutions and products designed for two- and three-bedroom homes.”
