"Downsizing your home can be a smart and rewarding step – whether you're seeking a simpler lifestyle, cutting costs, or unlocking equity. But timing and planning are everything.

Start by considering your long-term needs. Think beyond floorplan: proximity to healthcare, public transport, and family matters just as much. Assess what you truly need from your next property. Two spare bedrooms might be more than you’ll actually use.

Financial clarity is key. Understand the cost of selling, buying, moving and, if relevant, aged care. Speak to your accountant or financial adviser about the federal downsizer contribution scheme, which allows eligible homeowners to contribute up to $300,000 from the sale of their home into superannuation.

Decluttering early can ease the process. Downsizing isn't just physical – it's emotional too. Take your time letting go of items that won’t fit the next chapter.

Finally, don’t rush. Explore the market and work with an experienced local agent who understands the lifestyle you're after. Downsizing doesn’t mean compromising – it means realigning your home with the way you want to live today. Done right, it can be a liberating and financially sensible move." - First National Real Estate Newsletter August 2025