How right-sizing could unlock capacity in the housing market
A recent report from Barclays revealed that right-sizing – when homeowners move to a more suitably sized property – could potentially free up 3.8 million homes and tackle the issue of 10 million unused bedrooms across the UK.
By supporting last-time buyers to make the move and release equity, this shift could help in unlocking the housing market and creating greater levels of movement across the entire housing chain. In this episode of the Mortgage Insider podcast, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Sian McIntyre, Head of Acquisition & Engagement at Barclays UK Life Moments, and Jo Pocklington, Managing Director at Purplebricks Mortgages to evaluate this complex conversation.
Together, they explore what right-sizing really means, what’s stopping people from making the move, and why brokers should care – even when the customer may not need a mortgage. They also discuss the needs of last-time buyers, the benefits of releasing equity, and how developers, policymakers and families can all play a part in removing the practical and emotional barriers to moving.
Tune in for insights on later-life housing, stock shortages, affordability, and what needs to happen to get the market moving, from the top of the chain down.
Barclays’ Group Policy Development team creates public policy thought leadership content on behalf of Barclays. Our work draws on the bank’s expertise, data and insights, and is intended to inform the design and application of public policy solutions in response to pressing economic and societal challenges.
Barclays' report on Right-sizing can be found here:
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Mortgage Insider
The evolving role of the mortgage broker is becoming increasingly complex. The performance and potential of the housing market is an ever-changing landscape, but help is here.
The award-winning Mortgage Insider Podcast – brought to you by Barclays – is back and better than ever. Renowned TV presenter and property expert Phil Spencer guides you through the trials and tribulations of the housing world.
Phil, along with industry-leading guests from the world of economics, financial services, and of course housing, takes you beyond the headlines to help you navigate the world of mortgage markets.
This is an in-depth plunge into the world of mortgages, so listen and follow to find out more about the current mortgage market, how rates are set, the insider take on housing, changes to buy-to-let, marathon mortgages and helping clients plan for a worst-case scenario.
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- Latest episode: 2025-04-08
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