Published by Ingenia Lifestyle, 28th May 2025.

Saving time and money: how Paul started his downsizing chapter at Ingenia Lifestyle

In 2023 Paul Barker sold his family home of 30 years in Adelaide and downsized to Ingenia Lifestyle’s Hervey Bay community for a complete lifestyle change. The move came after Paul’s wife was diagnosed with a terminal illness in 2022.

“We knew she was going to pass, and we had some conversations about what I was going to do afterwards. We talked about me moving to Queensland to be closer to friends, so I started looking from Mackay all the way down to the border.”

“When she passed, my family said lets go to Noosa to look around. I went for a week and checked out the area, though it didn’t feel like quite the right fit for me, I prefer a quieter place.”
“One of my mates suggested looking at Hervey Bay, so I went for 10 days and checked out the different kinds of retirement living options in the area. I visited Ingenia Lifestyle Hervey Bay three times and decided this was the place for me.”

Paul says he loves the relaxed, low maintenance coastal lifestyle.

“After my kids moved out, it was just my wife and I running around in our great big house. It was getting to that stage where it needed higher maintenance and upkeep. My Ingenia home is brand new, the housework is less and there’s no gardening.”

“I didn’t want any more gardens or a large yard to maintain, I was done with all that. The new home has a small yard and little garden, giving me more time to do the things I want to do – ticking off items on the old traditional bucket list.”

Paul says one of the biggest benefits he’s noticed since downsizing is the money he’s saved, allowing him to do more of what he loves.

“Since moving from Adelaide, I’ve really noticed how much more affordable life is at Ingenia Lifestyle. Back home, even with solar panels, I spent a fortune each year on energy and water. Now, my bills are much more manageable, and it’s made a big difference!”

“After selling the old home and downsizing to Ingenia, I had money leftover that I’ve been able to invest, putting towards other things that I love.
Paul also enjoys the social benefits and friendships he’s made within his community.

“In here, you know your neighbours well and it’s good to have people around you to check in on things. If you’re going on holidays, people will offer to check in on your house and collect your mail.”

“Do I know all my neighbours? You bet I do! On Tuesday night we go two doors down from my place for drinks in the garage. You get to really know your community and form connections with a whole group of likeminded people.”

“I’ve met so many wonderful people and done so many things – it’s just been incredible! With all the activities on, I’m busier now than when I was at work!”