Britons often think about downsizing in their 50s and 60s as their family homes feel empty and as they think about the perfect place to retire.
Bungalows and park homes are great options for those looking for a smaller place to live in later life.
Park homes are often in beautiful locations, such as by the sea or in the countryside, and they are often more affordable than brick-and-mortar homes.
Many people find a sense of community in these areas which could be why there has been a surge in demand in parts of the country, new research revealed.
Demand for park homes among over 50s is highest in Bedfordshire
GETTY/PA
The Quickmove Properties Demand Index found demand for park homes climbed the most in the south east, where demand was up 24.9 per cent. The database focuses specifically only over 50s.
The highest demand was found in Bedfordshire where 35.1 per cent of park homes were quickly snapped up this quarter.
This was followed by Hertfordshire (34.3 per cent), Berkshire (32.5 per cent), West Midlands County (30.8 per cent) and Oxfordshire (28.6 per cent).
Experts added downsizing to a park home could give Britons an average of £125,000 cash to take home.
Countries with biggest growth in demand
Oxfordshire +12.2%
Buckinghamshire +8.3%
Staffordshire +8.1%
West Yorkshire +7.7%
City of Bristol +7.1%
Counties with highest demand
Bedfordshire
Hertfordshire
Berkshire
West Midlands County
Oxfordshire
Bedfordshire has the highest demand and this is a popular area with tourists and residents. Experience Bedfordshire states: "Visiting the many towns and villages of Bedfordshire will give you the best of both worlds, you’ll find wonderful countryside at the Forest of Marston Vale, Greensand Ridge and the Dunstable Downs, perfect for anyone wanting to lose themselves in nature.
"There are many walking and cycling trails for the more active among you, as well as great places to eat, drink, shop and take in the history of the impressive stately homes that can be found around the region."
Sales Director at Quickmove Properties Mark O’Dwyer added: “We saw park home demand remain steady across England in Q1 of this year, despite the hangover effects of 2023’s economic turmoil that stifled the bricks and mortar property market.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Bristol was on the list
PA
"But the county-level data shows that in many areas of England, demand is exploding.
"This is because downsizers in later life are enjoying the equity release they get from selling their family home and moving into a park home, taking the cash leftover - which averages £125,000 - to truly enjoy life rather than spending months if not years scouring the market for a suitable bricks and mortar home in a location that suits their retirement ambitions.
"Park home buyers are also benefiting from a buying timeline of two or three weeks compared to the 200 plus days that are experienced on the regular market.”
This comes as Britons rushed to sell their homes as the UK saw one of the biggest days for listings in nearly four years.