Older homeowners reluctant to downsize

MORE than 40% of pensioners have said they are living in a home bigger than they need.

- Mark Reynolds

Over-65s now have a whopping 10 million spare bedrooms between them - many of which rarely get used, research found.

But many are reluctant to downsize as they want to be able to host their families Christmas and are worried about the stress of moving.

for Others stay put because they want to pass their homes to relatives when they die.

The poll of 2,000 homeowners over 65 found 41% believe they live in a home which is larger than they need.