The new inheritance tax relief for passing on the family home is protected even when you downsize to a smaller property.

For example, if a married couple currently live in a large house worth  £500,000 and downsize to a flat worth £250,000 they could give away some of the proceeds during their lifetime and yet still benefit from inheritance tax relief based on the higher valued property.  They could even sell up completely and move into a rental property and still get the inheritance tax relief!