Thinking about downsizing? Things to consider when making the move

A simplified and better lifestyle is front of mind for many busy executives and professionals, and the Perth property landscape is adapting to deliver numerous downsizing and rightsizing choices.

Many business people start thinking about a change towards the end of their career in order to reap the benefits of living in vibrant areas with low maintenance and plenty of opportunity for lock up and leave travel.

Regardless of your profession or age, everyone’s needs vary and you will have different things to consider when deciding to downsize. There are a lot of common misconceptions about downsizing and rightsizing and it’s important to assess what you need when looking to transition to a new style of living.

Downsizing or Rightsizing?

People often think downsizing means smaller homes, with fewer rooms and fewer square metres, but this often isn’t the case. Rightsizing can be a more appropriate description for those looking to reduce the maintenance of a larger house, block and garden, but they may still require plenty of space to entertain and extra bedrooms for visiting family, or a home office. It’s important to consider what rooms you require in your new home to meet your specific needs.

Many downsizing options offer large open living areas with high ceiling and allow you to customise your home to some extent so you really can adapt your new living space to your lifestyle.

How far will you move?

Another important consideration is how far from your current location are you prepared to move. Many people wish to remain in the same locale so they can continue to maintain their social networks and have access to the same amenity with which they are familiar.

Others use downsizing as an impetus to change location and in some cases, take the opportunity to invest in a more desirable location, which may include being closer to the ocean, the city or riverside location with views.

Mount Pleasant resident Kelli Meehan is living within Erben’s Cirque development and said she has been in her apartment for two years.

“I come from a big spacious home in the country and was a little apprehensive about apartment living, but I just love living here,” Mrs Meehan said.

“I have also tapped into the great sense of community. I originally planned to spend about one week every month in my apartment but I’m finding I spend most of my time here because I have built a really lovely lifestyle here.”

Think Ahead Ten Years

A common motivation for some is having a home with fewer steps, stairs or uneven terrain in the backyard.

Other things to consider are developments with lifts so you can easily get to your home and access from carparking to your front door. Think through how your needs may change in a few years’ time.

Renowned architect David Krantz is a resident at Erben’s Treehouse development and said he was eager for change.

“We needed to downsize. We had quite a few stairs in our house which had been our family home for years, and as much as we loved the garden, it was just getting too big to look after. Our apartment now has some garden which is a great size, it’s all one level and we have the added bonus of the communal facilities we can use when we want,” said Mr Krantz.

No Need to Compromise on Privacy

Many people living in larger, family-sized homes are used to having a yard around them to act as a buffer between them and neighbours. It is a common concern amongst people moving into apartment developments in particular, that they may need to compromise on privacy in terms of hearing noise from neighbours, seeing people on neighbouring balconies and encountering people when accessing their home.

When looking into more densely populated areas or a strata type arrangement, ask about sound proofing and explore the dwelling’s outlook. Many apartment developments are designed to ensure the contours of the building afford privacy to residents and no overlooking issues. If you are considering an off the plan apartment, ask about the design considerations with regard to privacy and noise.

Erben Managing Director Luke Reinecke said downsizing offers a solution to achieving a simpler lifestyle for many.

“We’ve found across our developments in Perth that many residents have made the leap to a smaller home. They value the relaxed lifestyle that comes with apartment living and the community that ties into each development’s surrounds,” Mr Reinecke said.

“Downsizing was once seen as a sea change or tree change, but it’s now shifting to an opportunity for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle. It’s something developers need to take into account.”

Erben is dedicated to creating spaces that enhance a purchasers’ experience of downsizing. Cirque Duet, located in Mount Pleasant offers residents panoramic views, a walkable community with excellent transport links and options, resort style communal facilities and a range of luxury 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, all designed specifically with downsizers in mind.

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