Downsizing on the agenda Although the HIPpies have low confidence in the housing market -- with 39% believing their property has decreased in value over the past three years by an average of 21,749  -- they still believe their home will pay a significant part in funding their retirement. Along with those who plan to use the equity in their home, 49% of working homeowners over the age of 50 said they would consider downsizing to a smaller property. Of those who believe their property has fallen in value, 18% said they plan to wait for the value to improve before using the equity to help fund retirement , and 9% plan to make home improvements to boost the value. Vanessa Owen, LV='s head of equity release, said: 'Turbulent times are still ahead for the UK economy, but despite the uncertainty surrounding the housing market our HIPpies generation have not been discouraged. 'The number of over-50s planning to use their home as their pension has remained stable when we compare it to our 2011 report. A property is often the largest asset people have, so it makes sense for them to see it as a way of helping to provide an additional stream of income for them when they retire.' Putting off retirement Many over-50s may be forced to use their property to fund their retirement, but the outlook is bleaker for the 35% of over-50s who said they would have to delay their retirement for financial reasons. Another 20%