Once your children have moved out of home, your five-bedroom house can start to feel like a burden. Empty rooms gather dust and it seems pointless to be constantly tidying a garden that doesn’t get much use.
As retirement approaches, downsizing is a popular option for Northern Beaches and Forest district residents. However, the thought of going to a retirement village full of crochet groups and old-timer movie nights may not appeal, particularly if you are fit, healthy and love to be outdoors.
The good news is a retirement village isn’t your only option. Take a look at some other ways to downsize on the Northern Beaches and in the Frenchs Forest area.
Find a cottage
There are still some single-level small homes tucked in between larger family houses in Allambie Heights, Frenchs Forest, Belrose, Beacon Hill and Davidson.
A low-maintenance property that is all on one level may give you the privacy and space you prefer while saving you from endless lawn mowing and housework.
Just be aware of the condition of the property. If you don’t want to spend your retirement renovating, an older cottage is best avoided, unless it has been modernised throughout. These properties can also be difficult to heat and cool because of their dated structure.
Choose a townhouse
Townhouses make sense if you plan to downsize but still want room for your children and grandchildren to stay the night. These smaller homes are stylish and affordable, giving you a sense of a living in a home without the responsibility of a larger property.
One thing to keep in mind is stairs. As you get older, stairs become less manageable and it will be tiring to constantly climb up and down. Have a plan in place for when it is time to find without stairs – or look for properties with a bedroom on the ground floor.
Go up
Apartment living makes sense when you are healthy enough to live without support. Across the Northern Beaches and Forest district there are many options for spacious, comfortable and modern apartments.
This lifestyle offers lock-up-and-leave peace of mind when you head off on your next cruise or caravanning adventure. Many apartment blocks also offer secure parking so you feel more confident coming and going. If you’re lucky, you can also secure a dwelling that includes access to a swimming pool and gym.
Retirement villages
Let’s get back to the subject of crochet clubs and old-timer movie nights!
Retirement villages have come a long way since the dingy apartments of their predecessors. Nowadays, the challenge of living in a retirement village is scheduling downtime. These complexes have plenty of activities and social outings on offer that are suitable for different abilities, including walking groups, dance lessons and men’s sheds.
Retirement village life can actually be lots of fun, particularly if you enjoy catching up with people. Many offer different levels of care as part of their structure. This means you buy into independent living, progress to assisted living where you have emergency response buttons and someone to check on you, then move into aged care with round-the-clock support.
The benefit of this system is you will already know your community as you progress through the levels.
It is worth checking out the top local retirement villages. Some are so in-demand they even have a waiting list.
See the following:
Downsizing on the Northern Beaches and in the Forest area makes sense to free up cash and give you more time to enjoy doing the things you love. The great thing about living near Allambie, Frenchs Forest, Belrose and surrounding areas is that there are plenty of options to choose from.
For advice on making this change, contact the team at JDH real estate today.
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LIVE ON THE NORTHERN BEACHES?
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