KEYS TO KNOW

Downsizing isn’t new and it seems we all have the same requirements, finds Kirsty Mcluckie

We tend to think of downsizing as a modern phenomenon but it is really just the name that is new.

Moving from a larger home to a more compact property at a certain stage in life has always been the done thing, at least among the monied classes.

Dower houses were built as more modest residences for a widow of a grand estate.

She would make way for an inheriting son and his family to take his place in the main house.

The best examples of a dower house can be substantial properties in their own right and would have been designed to impress.

Today’s older generation are more likely to want to sell a larger property to release capital either for retirement or to pass on cash to family and move to a lowmaintenance property, but the principles remain the same.

Getting downsizing right means a move to a place which will be easy to live in but still have enough space for guests, visiting family and hobbies.

Room sizes and layout in a new place are important considerations too, particularly if you plan to accommodate furniture from the last house.

The perfect downsizing property has everything that a larger house offers, but on a smaller scale.

Parking, a private front door and outside space are all highly prized.

Future-proofing your new home is a useful consideration too, so bungalows, main door flats, modern blocks with lifts or at the very least a house with a downstairs bedroom are popular with the less sprightly, keen to avoid stairs.

There is also the style of the house to consider.

If you have spent a considerable part of your life in a period property, moving to a modern apartment for instance can either be a blessed relief or a shock to the system.

On the plus side you have the ease of lowcost utilities and an easy-maintenance life, particularly suited to those who wish to use their retirement for extended holidays.

But such a move might mean that inherited furniture sits uneasily in a contemporary flat.

If you would prefer a property with character, downsizers could do worse than look to 1A Wardie Steps in Trinity, Edinburgh. The C-listed 19th century building is part of Wardie Square, built by the Duke of Buccleuch in 1840.

The ground floor flat has two bedrooms, its own front and back door and some lovely features. Its position gives it spectacular views out to the Forth.

No 7A Clarence Street would be attractive to anyone looking to retain an exclusive address and location.

The main door apartment is located on the edge of the New Town and next to Stockbridge.

As well as two bedrooms it has a box room and a study, so it would suit a couple who want to have their own space.

Direct access to a very pretty shared garden is a boon.

For those who would prefer to retain a detached house, Cameron Lodge on Dalkeith Road in Newington is just the sort of modest cottage that would have suited a dowager.

It is not only set in its own, albeit small, grounds surrounded by a wall, but it has a dining room conservatory, in which to entertain. Where is it: 1A Wardie, Steps, Trinity, Edinburgh. What is it: A ground floor, twobedroomed flat in a C-listed building, set in historic Wardie Square built by the Duke of Buccleuch in the 1840s. Good points: A self-contained home with its own front door, the apartment has bags of charm and is within walking distance of Leith and Ocean Terminal. Recently upgraded, it has a fitted dining kitchen, a pretty sitting room and modern comforts such as underfloor heating. It is tucked down a lane, but the location has views to the Trinity shore. Bad points: It has little outside space, but this, combined with excellent storage means it is low maintenance and could be a great lock up and leave home. You could be competing with buyers looking for a holiday let however. Price: Offers over £220,000. Contact: CKD Galbraith on 0131 240 6980.