Old Sellers Beating The Housing Market

New insights from Good Move reveal the surprising strengths (and struggles) of over-65 homeowners. 

In a market often defined by rising mortgage rates, lacking buyer demand and affordability issues, you might expect younger sellers to move homes faster. However, our latest public survey suggests the opposite: it’s older Brits who are beating the market clock. 

Our UK survey shows that 14.29% of over-65s sold their home in under a month, the highest success rate when selling a house fast of any age group. That’s compared to just 9.09% of 25–34-year-olds, and a meagre 2.63% of those aged 35–44. 

Why are older homeowners moving faster?

There are a few likely reasons the older generation are making sales quicker:  

• Equity advantage: Many older sellers are mortgage-free, meaning they’re under less financial pressure and can price more competitively. 

• Simpler chains: Retirees who are downsizing or moving into retirement living often have fewer links in the chain, making for faster completions. 

• Desirable locations: Over-65s are more likely to live in established residential areas that appeal to family buyers. 

• Realistic pricing: Experience may count — older homeowners tend to be more pragmatic about market conditions and may be quicker to adjust asking prices. 

“There’s a common misconception that older homeowners are slower to sell, but our data shows they’re often the most motivated and prepared,” says Nima Ghasri, director at Good Move. 

“They know their property’s worth, and they’re often downsizing, so there’s a stronger incentive to move quickly.” 

The bungalow bottleneck

However, not all older sellers are breezing through the market. Another finding from our research is that bungalows, often the go-to property for retirees, are taking the longest to sell. 21.05% of bungalow sellers said it took over six months to shift their property, the highest proportion across all property types. 

This could be due to a mismatch in supply and demand. Bungalows are in short supply nationally, with many built in the mid-to-late 20th century. That means many are outdated or need modernising, a deterrent for younger buyers, and yet still too expensive for those on limited incomes. There’s also a limited market for bungalows, with many younger buyers requiring space for a young family. 

How does income affect home sale speed?

Our survey also explored the impact of personal income on property sales. We found that: 

• Sellers earning £30,000–£39,999 were most likely to shift their homes quickly (27–28% sold in under a month). 

• Those on £40,000–£69,999 had more mixed outcomes — some sold quickly, while others experienced long delays. 

• No one earning £100,000+ reported selling in under six months — although the sample size here was low. 

Interestingly, lower-income sellers (£15,000–£25,000) had mixed fortunes. Some achieved quick sales — perhaps due to more modest homes — while others were among those stuck for over half a year. 

What does this mean for the housing market?

These findings add depth to the national conversation around housing supply, affordability, and ageing demographics. As charities like Shelter have pointed out, we’ve seen a dramatic drop in social home building, from over 200,000 homes a year in the 1950s, to fewer than 10,000 in 2023/24. 

This lack of stock affects everyone, especially younger and lower-income households. Meanwhile, older homeowners often find themselves sitting on valuable property, but unable to move due to logistical, financial, or market barriers. 

Fast sale, slow market? Good Move can help

At Good Move, we help people from all walks of life sell quickly, fairly, and stress-free. Whether you’re a retiree looking to downsize or a first-time seller struggling to navigate the market, we offer regulated, professional support at every step. 

Need a quick house sale? Get a free, no-obligation offer from a regulated cash house buyer today.