For Josie and Simon Mears, moving home wasn't part of the plan. After downsizing just three years earlier, the Hampshire couple quickly realised their smaller property no longer met the needs of their growing family.
Thanks to our Part Exchange service*, they were able to upsize into a spacious four-bedroom home at our Knightswood Chase development without the uncertainty of selling on the open market or becoming part of a property chain.
Why the Mears family decided to move again
When Josie and Simon downsized to a smaller home in Fordingbridge, they believed they were making the right long-term decision. However, as their daughter Molly grew older, it became clear they needed more space to suit family life.
"We thought we were doing the right thing by downsizing," explained Josie, 47, a Health Visitor. "But it didn't take long to realise we needed more space again, especially as our daughter got older. It just wasn't working for us anymore."
Although the family weren't actively looking to move, everything changed after spotting an advert for Knightwood Chase.
"We weren't actively searching at first," Josie said. "But we saw an advert and decided to take a look. As soon as we visited, it felt completely different to anywhere else we'd seen. The setting is beautiful, tucked away with the river on one side, and it just had this calm, special feel about it."
They reserved a four-bedroom Laurel detached home and completed on the same day they moved in at the end of January 2026.
For Simon, a train driver, the move also brought practical benefits by reducing his commute while keeping family connections close.
"We're only about 30 minutes from Bournemouth now, so we still feel connected to family and friends," he said. "At the same time, we've gained this incredible lifestyle here, surrounded by nature and with everything we need nearby."
How our Part Exchange service simplified the move
One of the biggest concerns for the family was selling their existing property. Having moved several times before, they knew how stressful chains, estate agents and uncertain buyers could make the process.
Our Part Exchange service removed those concerns by purchasing their existing home directly, allowing the family to secure their new home without waiting for a buyer or worrying about a property chain.
"We'd looked at other housebuilders before, but nothing compared to how straightforward Cala made it," said Josie. "The thought of putting our house on the market again felt overwhelming, especially with how unpredictable things can be. Part Exchange just took all of that away."
The couple also benefited from us covering their Stamp Duty**, making the move even more affordable.
"It honestly made such a difference," Josie added. "The offer was fair, everything moved quickly, and not having to deal with a chain or estate agents was invaluable. It was, without a doubt, the easiest move we've ever had – and we've moved six times."
Why The Laurel home was the perfect fit
Having previously lived in a smaller new-build property, the family wanted to retain the energy efficiency and low maintenance of a modern home while gaining more space and flexibility – and The Laurel home delivered exactly that.
"This house has everything we loved about a new build, but with so much more personality," Josie explained. "It's light, spacious, and the layout just flows so well. There are so many thoughtful details that you don't even realise you need until you're living here."
For Josie, who regularly works from home, having a dedicated office has transformed her working day.
"I used to work from a garden office, which sounds nice but wasn't always practical," she said. "Now I have a proper workspace inside the house, with a lovely view of the trees. It's made such a difference to my day-to-day routine."
A better lifestyle for the whole family
Since moving to Knightwood Chase, the family say they've noticed improvements in both their day-to-day routine and overall wellbeing.
"We're spending more time together, but we also all have our own space," Simon said. "The open-plan layout makes it feel really sociable, and it's brought us closer as a family."
Their daughter Molly quickly settled into her new surroundings, thanks in part to the support she received from our Southern sales team.
"They went above and beyond to make her feel included," Josie said. "They even encouraged her to bring friends along to view the house and host a tea party so she could get a feel for what life here could be like. It made such a difference."
After six house moves, the family believe they've finally found somewhere they'll stay for years to come.
"We've finally found our forever home," Josie said. "Moving is expensive and stressful, and we didn't want to keep doing it. Now we don't have to."
A customer experience that exceeded expectations
Looking back on the journey, both Josie and Simon say the support they received throughout the buying process made all the difference.
"Everyone has been so supportive," Simon said. "From the sales team to the aftercare, nothing has been too much trouble. If you're even thinking about moving, just go and have a look. That's how it started for us. You never know - it might just change everything."
Thinking about moving with Part Exchange?
If you're looking to upsize in Hampshire but are worried about selling your current home, our Part Exchange service could help remove much of the uncertainty from the moving process.
Combined with thoughtfully designed homes and a peaceful riverside setting, Knightwood Chase offers a collection of two, three and four-bedroom homes and bungalows in Fordingbridge, close to countryside walks, everyday amenities and excellent transport connections.
Homes are currently priced from £400,000 to £700,000.
The development is open daily from 10.30am–5pm, with showhomes available to view.
To arrange a viewing, call 01425 687688 or visit the Knightwood Chase development page to learn more and register your interest.
* Part Exchange: Cala will obtain two independent valuations based on achieving a sale in a 4-6 week period. Part Exchange considered subject to our purchasing criteria. Part Exchange available on selected plots and not in conjunction with any other offer unless agreed by us at time of reservation. Full terms and conditions and purchasing criteria can be found on our website.
** Use the Government Stamp Duty calculator to calculate what you will pay.
