Downsizing Without Debt: How More Homeowners Are Buying Their Next House in Cash

Thinking About Downsizing in New Hampshire? Here’s Why Now Might Be the Right Time

If downsizing has been on your mind lately, whether it’s to cut costs, simplify life, or be closer to the people who matter most, you’re not alone. And here in New Hampshire, we’re seeing a growing trend that could make this move easier than you might think:

A record number of homeowners are now buying their next home without a mortgage. That’s right, no monthly mortgage payment, no interest, and more financial freedom in retirement.

More Homeowners Are Mortgage-Free Than Ever Before

According to new Census data analyzed by ResiClub, over 40% of owner-occupied homes in the U.S. are mortgage-free. That’s the highest number we’ve seen: 4 out of every 10 homeowners own their home outright.

Why is this happening? A lot of it comes down to demographics. Many Baby Boomers have been in their homes long enough to pay off their mortgages completely. And if that’s you or you're close to it you may have more buying power than you realize.

Turning Equity Into Freedom

If you’ve built up significant equity in your current home, especially if you’re mortgage-free or nearly there, you may be able to use that equity to purchase your next home in cash.

That means:

• No mortgage payments during retirement

• Lower monthly expenses

• A simpler, less stressful transaction

• And possibly, more flexibility to travel, spend time with loved ones, or just breathe a little easier

Here’s how it typically works: You sell your current home, take the equity you’ve earned, and use it to purchase a smaller or more manageable home often outright. It's a strategy we're seeing more and more of here in New Hampshire, especially among folks looking to right-size their lifestyle without giving up the comfort and security they’ve worked hard to build.

And this trend isn’t just happening locally. A recent survey from John Burns Research and Consulting and Keeping Current Matters shows that all-cash home purchases are on the rise across the country.

Why It Makes Sense for Baby Boomers in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has always been a place where people come for quality of life and that doesn’t have to change just because your needs are shifting. Downsizing isn’t about giving something up. It’s about gaining peace of mind, freedom, and time to enjoy the things that truly matter.

Picture this:
✅ Lower utility costs
✅ Less maintenance
✅ More manageable living space
✅ Proximity to family, lakes, trails, or a vibrant local community

And the best part? You get to make these moves without the financial pressure of a new mortgage.

Let’s Talk About What’s Possible

You’ve worked hard to build equity in your home now let’s explore how to put that equity to work for you. What would it look like to start this next chapter with fewer expenses and more flexibility?

If you’re thinking about downsizing here in New Hampshire, I’d love to walk you through your options and help you map out what’s next.

Let’s talk about what your home is worth and what it could unlock for you.

Because this next chapter? It could be the best one yet.