Downsizing From the Family Home

You love your family home: it’s where you’ve celebrated birthdays, watched first steps, and hosted friends and family. But for many over-50s, the family home has become overwhelming. If the Aussie dream is to own a big house with a backyard and a Hills Hoist, then it may come as no surprise that downsizing in retirement is Australia’s other residential dream.

According to the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, the main reasons for downsizing are lifestyle (27%) and financial (27%) reasons, followed by the garden or property requiring too much maintenance (18%).

Selling the family home may be challenging, but it unlocks a whole world of benefits and freedoms. Whether you need the equity to fund your retirement, want a low-maintenance home, or are looking for the ultimate sea change, joining a Hometown Australia community is the perfect way to downsize.

Let’s explore how and when you might like to downsize. If you have an active lifestyle, retirement villages might not be for you. Instead, consider a land lease living community, like Hometown Australia. Made for over-50s, these communities offer amenities like pools, spas, tennis courts, lawn bowl greens, and social clubhouses for like-minded residents to enjoy.

Each Hometown Australia community offers new modern home designs and preloved homes that balance the need for downsizing with the love of space. If you’re over 50, you might like to downsize while you’re still working or semi-retired — why delay when resort-style living awaits?

Still on the fence? Here are the top pros and cons of downsizing from the family home:

• Low Maintenance: Enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with minimal upkeep, freeing up your time to pursue your passions.
• Lower Running Costs: Save money on household expenses such as running pools and make your retirement funds go further.
• Unlock Your Equity: Sell your family home and use the equity to fund your retirement dreams and adventures.
• Exciting New Location: Move to a vibrant, fun community that offers a fresh start and plenty of activities in beautiful locations throughout Australia.
• Modern, Fresh Space: Embrace a beautifully designed home for those over 50, that feels new and refreshing.
• Lock-&-Leave Convenience: Travel with peace of mind, knowing your home is secure and easy to maintain while you’re away.
• Resort-Like Amenities: Enjoy access to resort-style amenities such as pools, gyms, and recreational facilities, all within your community.
• Friendly Neighbours: Join a welcoming community where neighbours look out for one another and friendships flourish.
• Enhanced Security: Benefit from a secure environment with added safety features for peace of mind.

• Decluttering Can Be Challenging: Sorting through years of belongings can be an emotional and time-consuming task.
• Adjusting to a New Home: Getting used to a different living space and routine might take some time.
• Effort Required for the Move: Mustering the energy and resources for the move can feel daunting but is ultimately rewarding.
• Saying Goodbye to Your ‘Forever’ Home: Leaving a home filled with memories can be tough, but new memories await in your fresh space as part of your next chapter in life.

Embrace the exciting opportunity of downsizing to a Hometown Australia community and make the most of your retirement years.

Wondering Where To Retire in Australia?

Retire (or semi-retire) to Port Macquarie and embrace the lifestyle you’ve always dreamt of! Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves and the scent of salt in the air. You’ll love getting active with stunning scenic trails right at your doorstep, perfect for walks, bike rides, or hikes. Indulge in the exceptional foodie scene with superb wineries, breweries, restaurants, cafes, and pubs.

Enjoy the beautiful beaches, rivers, and waterways that make every day feel like a holiday. There is no need to compromise on space with Hometown Australia homes featuring a second bedroom and bathroom plus most designs include a multi-purpose room. Homes often have rooms to spare, as family and friends will find it hard to resist visiting — between the beaches, attractions, and famous whale-watching opportunities.

Conveniently nestled between Sydney and Brisbane, Port Macquarie offers the perfect balance of a vibrant, beachy hub and connectivity to loved ones in the big cities. Plus, with 42% of households downsizing to new neighbourhoods and 37% moving to familiar holiday locations, you’ll find both new adventures and the comfort of a known area waiting for you.

Located in the Port Macquarie suburb of Thrumster, Glenfern is one of Hometown Australia’s most prized communities. Blending the beauty and lifestyle of Port Macquarie with resort-like amenities, Glenfern is a vibrant place to live.

Nestled in semi-rural surroundings, this brand-new community offers a pool, gym, spa, pickleball court, sun deck, and bowling green. For the residents who love a tinker, a workshop is the perfect place to work on a project. On rainy days, residents enjoy the cinema and library, chatting over a coffee at the café or sitting down to lunch at the Sports Bar & Grill. With caravan parking and lock-and-leave designed homes , the adventure awaits even beyond the community.

Discover the different styles of downsizing homes for sale at Glenfern:

Designed for the entertainer, the Maria features an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area that seamlessly extends to a generous alfresco space. With a second bedroom and a versatile multipurpose room, there’s ample space for guests. Two bathrooms ensure no one ever waits, while the bright, airy interior with a dormer window adds to the inviting atmosphere.

The Lighthouse 2 is perfect for downsizing without sacrificing space. This two-level design boasts a butler’s pantry, a walk-in robe, and a double garage, maintaining the generous proportions of a family home while occupying a smaller footprint. A discreet lift ensures accessibility for years to come.

Streamlined, simple, and great for singles, the Flynn perfects the art of downsizing. All on one level, this home design keeps everything within reach. With a walk-in robe and ensuite, the main bedroom becomes a private retreat. A second bedroom and nearby bathroom make hosting guests easy, while the multipurpose room can serve as a study or reading nook.

If you’re excited to explore your options, contact Hometown Australia to learn more about downsizing to Glenfern. With land lease living communities in New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia, the Hometown Australia team can assist you in finding the perfect location and home for your needs.