We upsized in our 70s from a bungalow to a four-bed house

Christine Simpson, 73, and her husband Dennis, 75, made the decision to move from their long-time bungalow to a larger four-bedroom house in their 70s, choosing to expand rather than downsize. The couple, residents of Wingham, relocated to a newly built home in early 2026, marking a significant change in their living arrangements. Their journey began over two decades ago when they moved into a two-bedroom bungalow in Bexley in 2001, purchasing it for £154,000. By 2016, they had paid off their mortgage, setting the stage for future plans. The couple had initially chosen the bungalow for its manageable size and lower maintenance requirements. However, over time, they found themselves needing more space to accommodate their family. Christine, a former conveyancer, and Dennis, a lorry driver, both retired in 2019, having saved extensively through final salary pension schemes. With combined incomes of £80,000 and £45,000 annually respectively, they felt financially secure enough to consider a larger home. In September of the previous year, Dennis proposed the idea of moving, suggesting a relocation to a village. Christine agreed, but insisted the new home must be close to family. The couple opted for a low-maintenance new-build property, avoiding areas with high developer activity. After researching options, they settled on a house in Wingham, purchased for £550,000. They sold their bungalow for £560,000, allowing them to afford the new property. Their transition was not without challenges. The couple encountered delays due to a chain of eight potential buyers and issues with a solar panel installation on another property. Despite these obstacles, they successfully moved into their new home in March 2026. The four-bedroom house includes a study, offering both practicality and comfort. The garden, approximately 50 feet in size, is a marked improvement over their previous 150-foot garden, which had become overwhelming for them to maintain. Christine expressed satisfaction with the new arrangement, noting the ease of managing the smaller garden and the convenience of living near Canterbury and the coast. She emphasized the importance of maintaining connections with family, stating that having children and grandchildren visit regularly enhances their quality of life. The couple has also engaged in local activities, joining gardening clubs and playing bowls, further integrating into the community. Christine's experience highlights a broader trend challenging the notion that older individuals should necessarily downsize. While some argue that freeing up larger homes for younger families addresses housing shortages, Christine believes that personal preferences vary widely. Mark Harris, CEO of SPF Private Clients, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that not one size fits all in retirement. Some older homeowners may benefit from downsizing to reduce expenses and simplify daily tasks, especially with properties featuring large gardens. However, others, like Christine and Dennis, find value in expanding their living spaces to support family life and enjoy greater independence.