trade down

verb

1. intr, adverb to sell a large or relatively expensive house, car, etc, and replace it with a smaller or less expensive one

Idioms and Phrases

Exchange for something of lower value or price, as in They bought a smaller boat, trading down for the sake of economy . Similarly, trade up means “make an exchange for something of higher value or price,” as in They traded up to a larger house . [First half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

This is making customers either trade down to cheaper menu items or eat at home instead, Ms Gehin adds.

From BBC

With the fifth pick of the NFL draft in Detroit, the Chargers are in great position to trade down for extra picks and still fill their needs in Round 1.

From Los Angeles Times

“Maye has the size, arm strength and athleticism needed to play in the inclement weather of Foxborough. He has some areas to fix, and it may be tempting to trade down with the Bears or Vikings, but the Pats need a franchise QB, no need to overthink it.”

From Los Angeles Times

“GM Monti Ossenfort will be tempted to trade down with a quarterback-needy team, but he’s got enough draft capital as it stands with 11 picks and gets the top wide receiver to give Kyler Murray a huge weapon on offense.”

From Los Angeles Times

Its profits are up, though higher prices have dragged down sales as people trade down to cheaper brands.

From Seattle Times