Want more from life after 50? Forget costly and tedious house maintenance. Instead, enjoy excellent facilities, the hobbies and activities you love, and a supportive community—now is the time to right-size your lifestyle.

Downsizing your home can feel overwhelming, especially for those who have lived in a family-sized house for many years. The memories it holds and the daunting task of moving, coupled with uncertainty about a new location, can be challenging.

However, experts agree that downsizing offers numerous benefits for those seeking a healthier, happier lifestyle.

If you’re sitting on the fence, here are five reasons why now might be the time to take the leap.

1. You need less space but more amenities

If you’re tired of the constant upkeep of a larger home and find your outdoor space too extensive to manage, consider the benefits of a smaller, low-maintenance property.

Not only will it free up your time and energy for more enjoyable activities, but it can also reduce stress and expenses associated with home maintenance.

Ever dreamed of having your own creative space but never made it a priority? Now is the time. Picture: Stayc Connolly

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A more manageable property allows you to focus on what truly matters, whether it’s pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing in a more comfortable and efficient living space.

Michael Rabey, executive general manager development, sales and marketing at Ingenia Communities, says the trick is to move to a community, such as an Ingenia land lease community, where you upsize your onsite amenities.

“I see that as right-sizing, because whilst your home has become smaller, you are moving into a community that’s much bigger,” she says. “Swimming pools, saunas, tennis courts, lawn bowls, you name it, it’s there.”

2. When you want to free up funds for retirement

Retirement savings can feel like a big and complicated topic, but it doesn’t have to be. If retirement is looming and you’re keen to live a good lifestyle, you might want to free up your finances.

Rabey says in the Ingenia land lease model, you buy and own the new home you live in, but rent the land it sits on. This option can save customers a considerable amount:

“Our customers don’t pay  stamp duty and council rates, saving tens of thousands of dollars. So, it certainly can be a much more affordable model.

“What’s important is that you do your due diligence and your homework and really understand the real estate you’re looking at,” he says.

Customers often sell their family home to finance their Ingenia home, and use the left over funds for a variety of reasons such as long-awaited travel and leisure activities, or pursuing the hobbies they’ve always wanted to try.

Being financially stress-free in retirement is a common desire for downsizers. Picture: Stayc Connolly

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Additionally, downsizers might choose to support their children or grandchildren with education, housing, or other financial needs. Many also opt to donate to charitable causes or organizations they care about. Some even decide to bolster their own retirement savings, creating a healthier safety net for their long term future.

“We are seeing an increasing trend where a couple will sell their family home and use the remaining capital to help fund their children’s home investments.

“Others use some of their remaining funds to help support their superannuation that might not have performed as well as they would have liked, and create a healthier safety net going into retirement,” explains Rabey.

3. When you want likeminded neighbours

A key reason people consider downsizing is their desire to live near others who are at a similar stage in life.

According to Rabey, in large suburban homes, neighbours might be busy with small children or be young professionals with different interests, which can lead to feelings of isolation and even poorer physical health outcomes.

Spending time with people at a similar life stage is a great way to stay social. Picture: Eugene Hyland

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Downsizing often means moving to communities where social connections and shared experiences are more readily available, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

“The land lease community really gets to the heart of what makes up a community, with everyone centred around a clubhouse where they can all come together,” Rabey explains.

For those keen on a quieter life, Rabey says there’s also great comfort in knowing there’s someone just next door if you need any help.

“The streets of our gated community are quiet, with fewer cars and low speed limits, and you’ll often see residents sitting in their front porch chatting with neighbours across the street.  It really is a community.”

4. When lifestyle counts

If you’re heading into semi or full retirement, you might be keen to try things you’ve never had time to do.

Rabey says there are plenty of stories from Ingenia land-lease communities where people have met new friends, taken up hobbies, and even tried sports for the first time.

There are plenty of stories from Ingenia land-lease communities where people have met new friends, taken up hobbies, and even tried sports for the first time.

For instance, Daphne and Peter, who moved into Ingenia’s Nature’s Edge community, found themselves joining a weekly walking group. They quickly formed close bonds with their neighbours and now enjoy regular social outings and potluck dinners.

Meanwhile, Lynnie and Noel found the social opportunities to be a major drawcard in their decision to downsize to a land lease community. They now participate in crafts and games events, as well as darts, snooker, and trivia at Ingenia’s Freshwater community. They regularly enjoy the camaraderie and physical benefits these activities provide.

The regular activities on offer are big drawcards for downsizers. Picture: Eugene Hyland

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These stories highlight the vibrant, supportive environment of Ingenia land-lease communities, where residents can explore new interests and forge meaningful connections:

“At our land lease communities, you also find other fantastic amenities that complement your sense of adventure.  Our newest resident facility at Hervey Bay is a caravan and boat washdown area, with outdoor kitchen and BBQ smoker, micro-brewery, plus a car maintenance shed.

“This was designed with resident consultation and has resulted in a unique but relevant asset to enhance their lifestyle” he says.

Rabey adds that a benefit of living in a gated community is safety, as you can walk your dog at night comfortably, and go back to your new, secure home.

5. When you’re sitting on the fence

If downsizing is on your mind, it’s wise to start the process early, ensuring you have ample time to make well-considered decisions.

Being proactive allows you to explore your options thoroughly and find a new home that truly meets your needs and preferences. This approach can prevent the stress and urgency that might arise if you were to downsize due to unexpected health issues, family changes, or financial pressures, explains Rabey.

By planning ahead, you can transition smoothly into a new living situation, enjoying the benefits of a more manageable and comfortable lifestyle without feeling rushed or pressured by circumstances.

“Make the decision when you are empowered to do so and you won’t regret it,” he says.

“We often have open days where we invite the public to explore our communities in a no pressure environment.  You can check out display homes and talk with existing residents to see if this is the place for you.”