Downsizing 'could create difficulties' (From Daily Echo)

Downsizing elderly out of larger homes 'could create problems', says charity

4:30pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Charity

A PLAN to help free up properties for families in need by helping elderly people downsize out of large homes could create more problems than it solves, according to a charity for older people.

Under the scheme elderly people could be encouraged to downsize to smaller properties so that the local authority can rent out their homes in a bid to ease the housing shortage for families.

The idea has won the support of housing minister Grant Shapps, who said councils should seek to replicate the ‘Freespace’ pilot scheme in Redbridge, London, where older people were helped to move into smaller properties by the local council who footed the expense of moving costs and in return rented out the property to families.

The older person could use the rental income to pay for their new accommodation and save money on living costs.

The study showed that up to 200 people were interested in downsizing but felt unable to because of the cost.

Chris Perry, of Age Concern Hampshire, said: “I think careful consideration should be given to who is ultimately responsible for the upkeep of the property, where the liability rests for example if anything happens.

“Also the question of what happens should the homeowner die. Would there be a problem for the family in removing the sitting tenant if they then want to sell it? I am not sure whether it would create difficulties long-term.”