For a growing number of homeowners, retirement is no longer a distant idea — it’s starting to feel very real.
According to Realtor.com and the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 12,000 people will turn 65 every day for the next two years. And data shows that about 15% of older Americans plan to retire in 2026, with another 23% expected to retire in 2027.
If retirement is on your horizon too, now is the perfect time to think about what you want the next chapter to look like — and whether your current home still fits that vision.
Why More Homeowners Are Choosing to Downsize
Downsizing isn’t about living with less. For many homeowners, it’s about living with ease.
Easier to enjoy
Easier to manage
Easier to maintain day to day
As retirement approaches, priorities shift. Instead of square footage and proximity to work, many homeowners want a home that supports comfort, flexibility, and peace of mind — without unnecessary upkeep.
The Top Reasons People Over 60 Are Making a Move
Data from the National Association of Realtors shows that the most common reasons homeowners over 60 move have little to do with timing the market — and everything to do with lifestyle.
The top reasons include:
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Being closer to children, grandchildren, or longtime friends
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Wanting a smaller, more functional home with fewer stairs and easier upkeep
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Retiring and no longer needing to live near the office
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Reducing monthly expenses tied to utilities, insurance, and maintenance
The common theme? Downsizing is about gaining control and choosing simplicity, not giving something up.
The #1 Thing Making Downsizing Possible Right Now
What’s helping so many homeowners make this move is equity.
According to Cotality, the average homeowner today has about $299,000 in home equity — and for longtime homeowners, that number is often even higher.
When you’ve owned a home for many years, two powerful things happen at once:
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Your home value has time to grow
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Your mortgage balance shrinks — or disappears entirely
That combination creates flexibility. It can open the door to downsizing, relocating, or even buying your next home with far less financial pressure than expected.
Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter
Leaving a home filled with decades of memories isn’t easy. But downsizing doesn’t mean closing the door on the past — it means opening a new chapter that better fits the years ahead.
Whether you’ve already retired or are planning to soon, it’s never too early to explore what your current home and equity could make possible.
Bottom Line
Downsizing is about preparing for what’s next — on your terms.
If retirement is approaching and you’ve started wondering whether your current home still fits your future, the first step isn’t selling. It’s understanding your options.
✨ Ready to explore what downsizing could look like for you?
👉 Connect with a trusted local expert at https://aceestate.com/ for a simple, no-pressure conversation about your next move.
