Twenty years ago, the prime reason for downsizing or moving was to be closer to families and grandchildren, whereas today’s generation of retired people are primarily moving to improve their own lifestyles.

In a recent survey, Pegasus Retirement Homes has found that its buyers’ top 10 reasons for moving have changed.

The company also found that the average age of buyers has increased and they have often downsized once before to a bungalow or apartment before moving into a retirement property.

Pegasus’ new data shows that the primary reason older people choose specialist retirement property is because they want an almost zero maintenance home, so that they can enjoy more leisure time.

Their secondary motivation for buying is because they want to delay going to a care home.

The top 10 reasons given for buying a retire-ment property are:

1. Easy to run

2. Want to move now to avoid going into care

3. Closer to family

4. Lower bills

5. Like the area

6. Lonely in current home

7. Don’t want noisy neighbours

8. Security

9. Better lifestyle

10. Releasing equity

Karen Roake, Pegasus sales and marketing director, said: “Older people are more active for longer than in previous decades, and they treasure their independence. Our top 10 list of reasons for moving has not changed dramatically, but the order that they appear on the list has definitely changed. This is the first time that ‘easy to run’ has topped the list.”