Downsizing to a new home in South London can offer comfort and space

Releasing equity from your family home and moving to a smaller house or apartment, commonly known as "downsizing", is increasingly popular with the over 50s. Whether it is to provide cash for their children's own home deposits, or for a better retirement, downsizing has many benefits and can make good financial sense. Property developers in South London are offering a range of new two- and three-bedroom homes that are perfect for downsizing. Close to all of the city's attractions and amenities, they offer space for visiting loved ones and friends, and an easier lifestyle.

Bromley Common is just 10 miles from The City, and close to Bromley centre with its wide range of shopping, bars, restaurants and a well-known theatre. Indeed, Bromley is the perfect place to downsize to and take life that little bit easier. Ward Homes has just two properties left on the current phase of its huge Trinity Village development at Bromley Common. Set over three storeys, the three-bedroom ‘Suffolk' style is priced from £359,995. This luxury mid-terrace townhouse boasts a fully fitted kitchen leading to a conservatory and rear gardens. There is a separate dining room for more formal occasions, and the master bedroom includes an en suite.

Croydon is just 15 minutes from central London by train, and is in easy reach of Gatwick and Brighton. Taylor Wimpey has just opened its new show home at Aura in Sydenham Road. This stylish development of apartments has two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments with underground parking, and light, spacious living accommodation from £234,995. The master bedroom has a modern en suite with white fittings, and the open-plan living/dining/kitchen area opens to a private balcony. A further bathroom, and plenty of storage space, makes this an ideal home for those looking for less maintenance, yet with space to entertain and in a convenient location.

Greenwich is well established as the place to be in South London. Barratt Homes is offering a range of new apartments in its Delta development of just 38 contemporary new homes, perfect for those downsizing and looking for a vibrant town environment with good connections via the DLR and tube. Apartment 33 is on the market at £319,500 and offers spacious accommodation, with plenty of room to entertain family and friends. This two-bedroom home has a walk-in utility room, large family bathroom and en suite to the master bedroom. A large second double bedroom and open-plan living space and kitchen give this stylish apartment an airy feel. With a larger budget, it's possible to purchase an apartment with a private balcony or terrace.

Another award-winning developer with new homes for sale in Greenwich is Bellway. Prices for two-bedroom homes at Ashburnham Apartments start at £307,950, and include fitted kitchen with ceramic flooring, carpets to all bedrooms and an en suite to the master bedroom. Most apartments have a terrace or balcony, and all are secured by an audio/visual entry system. These superb apartments are close to the centre of Greenwich, with its thriving streets and market, and, of course, the world famous Observatory, Greenwich Park and Naval College.

A new penthouse show apartment has been opened at Berkeley Homes' Kidbrooke Village. City Point is the first phase of this exciting new development, and offers a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, perfect for those downsizing from a large family home. Many of the apartments at Campbell Court will be completed this summer, with prices starting at £302,500 for a two-bedroom apartment. These homes feature living/dining/kitchen area, master bedroom with en suite, second double bedroom and family bathroom, plus a utility room and two balconies.

A three-bedroom 'Suffolk' townhouse provides a perfect home for downsizers, with plenty of living space and room for guests and a convenient location close to Bromley town centre and local leisure facilities, for £359,995