It is totally different if you are downsizing.
when I was widowed and DH's pension died with him, I simply could not afford the upkeep of our family home an 1886 built stone cottage with a huge, mainly fruit and veg, garden, which rapidly got out of hand. I really had no choice but to look for a smaller property. Luckily, a year ago, I found a ground floor 2bed, flat, part of a 15 yo Mews development at the other end of the village. Although I had to pay over the asking price to secure it, this was more than compensated for by the amazing price I got for the cottage. I paid off the remains of my DDs mortgages (just in time as it turns out!) and was left with more savings than I have had in my entire life, just in time for the Interest rate rises.
In addition, I have gone down 2 bands for council tax, My monthly standing order for fuel has almost halved, due to the well insulated smaller space, even taking into account the fuel price rises. My robot hoover can zoom around all the floors in less than 20 minutes. The only thing I have replaced has been the cooker hob for my preferred ceramic one.
I do still feel that I am living in a cosy holiday let. I miss my open fire and garden but compensate by helping maintain the communal garden and even grew some fruit & veg in big pots. All in all, the best, most sensible thing I have ever done.
