Considering downsizing but unsure of your options? Many people over 50 seek a better quality of life but are often held back by fear of making the wrong decision.
If you’re thinking about making the move, rest assured that the downsizing process doesn’t have to be daunting or rushed by health, family, or financial pressures.
“Some people are looking for a sea change or tree change, while others are excited about having a brand-new home and a bit more security,” explains Nicole Jentz, regional manager QLD at Ingenia, a leading over-50s community developer.
Jentz also emphasizes that downsizing is rarely a one-size-fits-all approach.
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Downsizing is all about getting balance back in your life. Picture: Eugene Hyland
Rediscovering yourself: living life on your own terms
“Do it! You won’t regret it. The type of community you get to be a part of here is so wonderful,” one of the residents at Ingenia’s Freshwater community, Lynnie, says.
She adds that if anyone is contemplating downsizing in Queensland, there’s no reason to wait.
Fuss-free living was a top attraction for Lynnie and husband Noel, who downsized from a five-bedroom home in Redcliffe.
“It’s just awesome,” says Lynnie. “I have hardly any housework to do now.”
Wishing they’d made the move sooner is a commonly-shared sentiment among residents, according to Jentz – despite initial trepidations.
“Our motto is to stop waiting and to start living,” she says, but it’s not just a motto, “we see this play out every day with our residents.”
“From pursuing lifelong passions like art and woodworking to trying new sports—or even experimenting with craft beer brewing—we’ve seen how downsizing can transform lives.
“This newfound freedom allows them to truly live for themselves again, embracing hobbies and activities they’ve always wanted to explore—or simply having more time to be social and fulfilled, living life on their terms.”
Maintenance free, joyful living
Lynnie explains that it was liberating to let go of the rigid expectations of what she thought she needed, which can actually prevent people from living the life they want. “Getting rid of the things that I thought I always had to have—and the things you just don’t need.”
“We find many people are coming from large family homes, often with four or five bedrooms, and some are even transitioning from rural properties,” says Adam Forrester, head of QLD development, Ingenia.
Looking to start living on your own terms again? Downsizing in QLD could be the perfect next move. Picture: Ingenia
“They’re looking for something low maintenance in a secure and safe community that offers a great lifestyle with incredible amenities. And, crucially, they don’t have to lift a finger towards maintenance.”
Queensland’s blissful lifestyle
“We just walked in and said ‘this is it’,” says Nature’s Edge resident, Daphne. “Out of all the ones that we had seen, this was just a perfect fit for us.”
She and husband Peter downsized from a four-acre property and looked at various communities before deciding on Nature’s Edge.
“We have beautiful coastal communities such as Hervey Bay and Drift Bargara, and some of our tree change communities such as Millers Glen or Nature’s Edge, which is in a beautiful rainforest setting,” Jentz says, adding that a key reason people downsize is to embrace a new environment.
For these people, she says Ingenia communities across Queensland offer plenty of choice.
Lower costs, especially for the over 50s
“With the research we did, we found that having no entry or exit fees were great,” says Freshwater resident Chris who moved with partner Les from a four-bedroom home in Kallangur.
“A lot of other places do have fees which we weren’t prepared to pay,” explaining why the land lease model was a key attraction.
The desire to free up finances is the top incentive to get moving, explains Forrester. He explains that Ingenia’s land lease model is popular for this reason, as buyers own their home, but rent the land it’s on.
“There’s no stamp duty, so there’s no transfer fees. You own the home, so you retain all capital gains that you may realise from eventual sale of the property, and you know what your weekly rent will be,” he says.
Having financial security and acting responsibility for those they love is top of the list for downsizers.
Enjoy more of what you love
For Lynnie and Noel at Freshwater, the social opportunities were a major drawcard. Lynnie says she enjoys craft groups and games nights, singing group, and Friday night happy hour.
For Noel, darts, snooker, trivia and 8 ball are on his calendar: “The community, the security, location, mates – it’s all worth it,” he says.
Many downsizers are looking for the chance to spend more time doing more of what they love in life. Jentz says at Ingenia communities, you can get involved in as much or as little as you like.
“We really try to offer something for everybody and understand our residents so that we can offer special interest groups for them,” she says.
Residents at Hervey Bay are set to enjoy a brand new, $3 million facility called The Hangar.
“People can go there to look after their caravans, get involved in the micro-brewery, or fix their vehicles,” she says.
Start every day the right way
For Daphne and Peter, the facilities they can use at Nature’s Edge without having to do the maintenance, are a major benefit. Daphne is into water aerobics, while Peter opts for the gym and swimming. Together, they are part of a Wednesday walking group.
“The people from the walking group are really lovely. It’s only a small group at the moment, but we’ve also been to one on a Thursday and met people through that,” says Daphne.
Forrester, who, as part of overseeing development for Ingenia in QLD knows that staying active is a key reason buyers consider moving to a downsizer community.
“Living a fit and active lifestyle is more important than ever for downsizers,” says Forrester, “especially as many people are making the move at a younger age.”
“We have 25-metre lap pools and pools that cater to water aerobics, and we have pickleball courts, and lawn bowls. We have gymnasiums and yoga studios, arts and crafts rooms, and music rooms,” he explains.
Safety and security
For some downsizers, safety and security is a top reason to make the move. Ms Jentz says Ingenia’s communities are gated, and everyone looks out for each other. For Noel, this is an advantage when he and Lynnie hit the road in their caravan.
“It’s good to be able to lock up and head out, you’ve got good neighbours to keep an eye on things for you,” he says.