Believe it or not, it’s coming up to seven years since we purchased our “new” house!
We’ve certainly made the most of our two storeys, four bedrooms, pool table, media room, double garage, a deck with views to die for, and a patio that could host a small wedding … but we’re finally facing facts: it’s time to plan for downsizing.
We bought this house in 2018 when the kidults were already in their 20s and we had a half-empty nest, but we figured it was the perfect place for family get-togethers, weekend visits, and maybe a grandchild or two down the track!?
And it has been wonderful – plenty of space, loads of light, and room for everyone to sprawl out. We’ve lovingly chipped away at renovating it over the years (as an ex-rental it’s sure needed it!) – painting inside and out, new carpets, blinds and light fittings to name just a few.
But these days, it’s mostly just the two of us, rattling around like the last biscuits left in a giant tin. And honestly? It’s starting to feel more like “Too Much House” and less like “Home Sweet Home.” So much to clean, mow and take care of!
Plus, I feel like I need to crack out Google Maps to find the husbear when I need him! In our last house I used to be able to have a full conversation with him from the bedroom while he was in the kitchen. Now, by the time I track him down (usually downstairs in the media room with the door shut and headphones on) I’ve forgotten what I was going to ask him 😉 .
An Apartment Lifestyle?
Of course, the property market in Brisbane right now? Pfft. Don’t get me started. Competitive is an understatement. We’re seriously considering engaging a buyers agent – someone to do the heavy lifting (and battling at auctions) while we sip tea and browse Pinterest for verandah inspo.
It seems apartments are the new hot property and blink and you’ll miss a good one. Yes, you read that right. After decades of living in suburbia (35 years since I “crossed the river” and moved to the Redlands!), we’ve been inspired by to embrace an inner city lifestyle.
Our kids live close to the CBD, just across the river in South Brisbane. The views are incredible, and everything seems to be within easy walking distance; and if it’s not, public transport is at your finger tips.
They live near the beautiful South Bank parklands and lagoon, in close proximity to QPAC, the Queensland Museum, State Library, and a host of restaurants and eateries. Plus there’s all the retail therapy your heart could desire in the CBD, just a hop, skip and a jump over one of the many pedestrian bridges …
Watching them thrive has made us think … maybe it’s time we swapped square metres for city living? Although the husbear only commutes to the city for work a couple of times a week, it’s an hour on the train each way, adding up to an hour and a half (and often more) door to door.
We’re not after a shoebox, mind you. I don’t like the sterile “boxy” look of many apartments, almost like a hotel room. It has to be something with a bit of style and interest.
My Downsizing Wishlist
My downsizing dream home will feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms (non-negotiable), and a verandah for our morning cuppa. Oh, and a view. We’re at the age where we’ve earned a good view, right!?
And, stairs? Hard pass. I’ve done enough stair runs carrying laundry baskets to last a lifetime. If I wanted a daily leg workout, I’d join a gym!
Speaking of a gym, the husbear would love to be in a complex that included one, while I would definitely enjoy a (rooftop?!) pool …
When it comes to practicalities, one garage will be fine. We’ve talked about going down to one car, especially since we’re rarely both out at the same time. Plus, less car = less insurance = less registration.
It’s a big change and while I do have some reservations about inner city living, we are very lucky to have our island house to escape to if we do feel the need to get away from the rat race. So the new place doesn’t need to be a holiday home – just a well-located, low-maintenance base where we can live life with a little less elbow grease and a little more ease.
Whether it’s a place we move into soon or just an investment for now, we haven’t made a final decision yet. But we’re definitely dipping a toe into the downsizing pool.
Wish us luck – and if you’ve done the downsizing dance, I’d love to hear your tips!
