Early Downsizing Trend: Why More Australians Are Making the Move Sooner

Financially secure baby-boomers are increasingly trading their large, freestanding family homes for premium apartments in prime locations that better suit their evolving lifestyle needs.

This early shift is being driven by a desire for greater freedom, convenience and improved wellbeing, as well as the opportunity to capitalise on a strong property market. Most are looking to stay close to family, friends and shops but still want spacious homes offering high-end amenities and low-maintenance living.

Downsizing is no longer viewed as a compromise, but as a strategic move to unlock an elevated, more flexible way of living.

CE’s Head of Sales, Cameron Porter, explains:

He notes that projects like our Pienza, Neutral Bay development – offering residents a wellness centre, gym and rooftop pool – are proving especially popular with this demographic.

In Sydney’s eastern suburbs, the demand from early downsizers is just as strong – reinforcing the trend that lifestyle-led living is no longer something to wait for. Last year, the penthouse in our Ballamac House, Coogee project sold off-market for a record $20m to empty nesters relocating from a house in Bondi.

According to reporter Angela Saurine, financial planning is also a key motivator. Australians aged 55 or older can contribute up to $300,000 – or $600,000 per couple – from the sale of their home into their superannuation fund. The eligibility age has steadily dropped in recent years, from 65 in 2018 to 60 in 2023, and now 55.

But it’s not just retirees making the shift. Many families are also opting for spacious apartments with house-like proportions, drawn to the simplicity, security, and freedom apartment living can offer. For many, it’s about trading upkeep for more free-time, enjoyment and creating a home that truly reflects how they want to live now.

At Central Element, we’re focused on creating considered, design-led residences that meet the needs of modern downsizers and lifestyle-focused buyers. Our current projects include:

In Neutral Bay, Pienza offers a boutique collection of oversized apartments with luxury wellness amenities, in the heart of a revitalised village centre.

Perched on Coogee’s northern headland, Ballamac House captures the essence of coastal living, blending timeless heritage architecture with expansive living and panoramic ocean views.

In Chatswood, Ethos delivers calm, spacious beautifully crafted homes with wellness at the core – just moments from world-class retail and transport.

Nestled on the edge of Drummoyne Bay, Bianca presents a rare offering of harbourside residences that pair elegant design with walkable access to village life. The large, double frontage homes offer sweeping harbour views and resort-style amenities including a private jetty and waterfront pool, delivering a truly exceptional harbourside lifestyle.

Pearl Bondi is set to redefine luxury beachside living with spacious residences and a penthouse poised to break suburb records. Each residence features floor-to-ceiling windows, private plunge pools and an elevated cliffside setting designed to fully embrace the rhythm and beauty of coastal living.