Downsizing

As the numerous benefits of downsizing – such as greater financial stability, enhanced feelings of security, and less home maintenance – become more widely appreciated, a rising number of Australians are considering embracing the shift.

More accurately being described as ‘rightsizing’ these days, moving to a smaller property is not just a physical shift though. For those leaving larger family homes behind, it does require somewhat of a mind shift.

“Oftentimes people looking at the Village are convinced they still need three bedrooms,” says Village Project Director John Green.

“However, when they stop and consider it, they realise they haven’t used the extra rooms in their current homes for a long time, or not enough to justify having them in a new house.”

Rightsizing to a modern one bedroom, open plan home at the Village has been perfect for Maureen and John Hay.

“We never used three quarters of the old house and this is so easy to keep clean,” says John.
A February 2020 report by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute reveals older Australians downsize to achieve a particular lifestyle or financial outcome, and because their garden or property requires too much maintenance.
Done right, rightsizing frees up people to do more of what they love and reduces stress, meaning it’s not a process that causes loss but actually leads to gains.

For many, it also frees up funds for travelling or new dreams and hobbies, all of which the Village makes simple, thanks to lock and leave style-homes, communal security features, caravan and boat storage, and resort-style activities and facilities like lawn bowls, inter-village sports, yoga, karaoke, and crafts and arts.

“Once people settle in to the Village, it really dawns on them that they have rightsized their home and upsized their lifestyle,” explains John.

“When your entertaining area includes a $6 million clubhouse with pool tables, heated indoor pool, spa and sauna, and wifi, to name a few, you’re definitely not compromising.”

Village resident Horry Mawdesley loves the Village life and his one bedroom home with high raked ceiling.

“The fact that everything’s brand new is great,” he says.

“I’ve got a kitchen, lounge room and dining room, as well as a laundry and outdoor area, but it doesn’t seem compact in there.”

The Village is also designed for privacy, with space around each home and, unlike apartments and villas, there are no common walls.

The homes boast the latest appliances and ample storage space, and keep ageing in place in mind.

“All of our one bedroom homes have wider doors for easy access and some have extra large showers and sliding glass doors for easier movement, and we use flick mixer taps, soft close cupboards and detachable shower heads for easier living,” John explains.

“Extra additions, such as grab rails, extra kitchen drawers and even detailed customisations can also be accommodated for buyers getting in ahead of building.”

The best part about the Village’s one bedroom homes?

Says John: “Your home is bigger than you think, is so easy to live in, it leaves more in your pocket and so much more time to do the things you love – and still gives you access to the whole range of activities and facilities the Village has to offer, without having to maintain any of them.”

Information in this article is true and correct as of 19 September 2022.