DOWNSIZING has become a hot topic on York’s property market. Since City of York Council suggested that owners of larger under-occupied houses could consider downsizing to ease shortages of family homes, there has been mixed reactions all round.

However, the developers of York’s new Hungate development believe that the “pension crunch” has meant many owners actually want to downsize – and that Hungate could be the perfect place to do it.

Hungate sales director Martina Collins says downsizing can offer people the chance to make money through selling or letting their present home and save on maintenance and energy costs, although they may worry they would not have enough room for visiting friends or grandchildren.

“York’s Hungate development has addressed downsizers’ desires with a range of comfortable and stylish homes in the first phase of the new Hungate urban village, now nearing completion on a unique ten-acre site in the heart of the city,” said Martina.

“The low-maintenance, high- specification, energy-saving contemporary apartments are well designed to include storage space. Main bedrooms have stylish en-suite bathrooms and second bedrooms provide space to host visitors and family guests.”

Boasting riverside walkways, a nature reserve and views to York Minster, Hungate has an eco friendly design throughout, with energy efficient electrical and heating products in the new homes. It is only a short stroll to York’s outdoor market through Shambles, and a footbridge over the Foss will be part of the development.

“Hungate is located within the city walls close to the historic city’s visitor attractions, so requests to spend a few days with grandma can be expected,” said Martina.

“The Hungate riverside nature reserve, with hungry ducks to feed, is part of the new neighbourhood, Dig Hungate, the York Archaeological Trust’s archaeological site where archaeologists are currently troweling down into the vestiges of a Viking era home, is beside the new development and the new site for York’s Big Wheel is not far away”.

Interest in Hungate, which is built to an urban village masterplan, recently almost trebled, with enquiries from across the range.

• Hungate offers a choice of two bedroom apartments from £155,000. Details are available at www.hungateyork.com or by visiting the marketing suite, open daily. Phone 01904 676797.