Know your goals
Get clear on why you want to downsize: How do you see your life now and what are your priorities moving forward? When you understand your motivation, you’re more likely to find a home that enhances your quality of life.
Understand your financial position
Before you start house-hunting, take a close look at your current financial health including home equity, debts and monthly expenses. Use an online loan calculator to get a sense of your borrowing power. Clarity around your finances can help you feel in control.
Find a home for today and tomorrow
Look for a place that will make your life simpler and happier, both now and in the years to come. Consider your future needs like single-level living, good lighting, low-maintenance spaces and easy access to healthcare and other essentials.
Discover your community
Search for areas that offer social opportunities, such as fitness centres or activities you enjoy. You’re choosing a neighbourhood, not just a house—it should support your lifestyle and keep you connected to what you love.
Lighten the load
Downsizing can mean sorting through years of memories. Break it into small steps and focus on keeping the things that bring you joy. If the process feels a bit much, enlist professionals like removalists to give you a hand.
Embrace the journey
Moving on from a long-time home can stir up all sorts of feelings. Take the time you need to adjust. Bringing along a few treasured items can help your new home feel more welcoming.
For extra guidance, checklists and insider tips, download our free Downsizer’s Guide.
Make downsizing stress-free with a bridging loan
Lastly, to help you take the next step in your downsizing journey, consider a Funding Bridging Loan. For many downsizers, a portion of their wealth is tied up in their current property. A bridging loan is a short-term financing option that unlocks your home’s equity, so you can purchase your new home before selling your old one. Once your existing property sells, the proceeds can help pay off the bridging loan.
Here’s how it helps:
Faster funds: Jump on the perfect property right away without waiting for your current home to sell.
Less stress: Avoid rushing the sale of your old home or dealing with rigid age-related loan criteria from traditional lenders.
Smoother transition: Move into your new home at your pace, without juggling two mortgages or tight timelines.
Getting started is simple, requesting a quote only takes 5–10 minutes. Once you’ve submitted your details, a member of our friendly team will be in touch to discuss and provide a personalised quote.
Learn more
Read out Downsizer guide
Use our Downsizer calculator