Downsizing Done Right: How to Choose the Perfect Home for Your Next Chapter 

Downsizing can be as appealing to empty nesters and retirees as it is for families with children living at home.  

The desire for low-maintenance living with more time to devote to the things and people that really matter is a common thread amongst busy people at all life stages, including those whose children are many years from setting out on their own independent lives. 

Even the term downsizing can be misleading when many apartments offer as much liveable space as a house. And when you factor in amenity such as gyms, pools and parklands, it could be argued that you are upsizing not downsizing - minus the maintenance. 

Fina and Robert bought their three bedroom apartment at Isle Waterfront Newstead after both their children had left home and begun their own families. They have had time to adjust to life without the kids and to feel happy about relinquishing the family home where they raised them.

Downsizing done right can be life-changing, provided you select a home that is the perfect fit for you now and into the future. You would never buy shoes or clothing too big or too small. The same goes for downsizing – it needs to be the right fit with the style and amenity that flatters your lifestyle. 

To visualise the ideal home, it helps to have a clear picture of your ideal life, allowing you to narrow down the search to those properties that meet your criteria.  

Things you should consider include: 

• the location and proximity to shops, parklands, transport and medical facilities 

• the number of bedrooms, aspect, view, floorplan 

• the amenities you desire 

• security especially if you plan to travel frequently.

An attractive outlook, whether it’s water, nature, sky or city views, can be an instant mood lifter. As a general rule, the higher the apartment the better the view, although that is not always the case and excellent views can often be found on lower levels.  

If you rarely have guests or family to stay you may only need a one or two bedroom apartment. For those who envisage regular house guests, particularly when grandchildren are in the picture, you may want those additional bedrooms. And when they are not needed for guests, they can become handy multi-purpose rooms. 

For those who like to entertain at home, it’s wise to check that the open plan living space will accommodate a dining table, sufficient lounge seating and has a kitchen that is functional, user-friendly and makes a beautiful contribution to your home. 

A balcony easily accessible from the living area increases the sense of space and allows you to enjoy the outdoors and fresh air without stepping outside your home. It also gives you a space to create a balcony garden that can be just as uplifting as the large garden you will be leaving behind.  

Downsizing doesn’t have to mean sacrificing space or comfort – it’s about finding the right fit for your lifestyle, now and in the future. By prioritizing location, amenities, and the layout that suits your needs, you can create a new space that feels like a true upgrade, offering more freedom and less maintenance. 

*The article is intended as a guide only to provide general information.  Mirvac is not a provider of financial or investment advice and this information should not be relied on as such. Before acting on any information in this publication, purchasers should fully consider the appropriateness of the information, having regard to their objectives, and financial and tax situation and needs, and seek their own advice from appropriately qualified advisers.  Mirvac has made all reasonable efforts and inquiries it believes necessary in preparing the publication but is not responsible for confirming the completeness or accuracy of such data and information. Purchasers must rely on their own continuing enquiries about purchasing decisions. Mirvac expressly excludes any and all liability relating to, or resulting from, the use of or reliance on, any information contained in this brochure by any person.