Retirees loathe to leave much loved gardens says survey

Hydrangeas in an English country garden (Alamy/PA)

Leaving a much loved garden is one of the biggest factors holding back the newly retired from downsizing, new research has revealed.

Home owning retirees take an average of three and a half years from first thinking about selling up to taking the plunge.

Almost a quarter (23%) said being uprooted from a much-loved garden made them stall when with more than half (57%) naming gardening is one of their favourite hobbies,

Almost two thirds (63%) felt that their green spaces have played a special role in creating memories with their family, according to a survey of 1000 over 65s commissioned by luxury retirement living developer Riverstone.

CEO Martin Earp, said: “Our study shows that an overwhelming three-quarters (77%) of retirees say their lawns and flower beds have cultivated positive mental and physical health benefits over the years. Yet – with 1 in 4 not moving because of their garden – many run the risk of leaving it too late to move and not being able to fully enjoy their outdoor space.”