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Downsizers, who have made up around 50 percent of buyers in Candela to date, are looking for, room to host guests and work from home, adequate storage and amenities within walking distance. Apartments can offer low-maintenance living without sacrificing on quality, but not all are created equal. Buyers accustomed to a large, freestanding house need to consider an apartment that will suit their changing needs for years to come, so here we highlight the top 5 attributes downsizers have told us they are looking for.
1. Location, location, location
On-the-doorstep amenities and walking distance to everything are top of the downsizer’s list. Having public transport, shopping centres, chemists, medical centres and libraries literally on your doorstep, provides an easy and stress-free lifestyle. “Most downsizers are at the point in their life where they’ve done the long commutes, now they want to be close to everything. The position of the apartment within its suburb is critical, and walkability is key, especially for buyers seeking a village lifestyle,” says Marshall White’s Nicholas Boland. “You might still drive now, but you might not drive in 10- or 15-years’ time,” he adds.
2. Less maintenance
Downsizers typically look for well-proportioned modern apartments requiring minimal upkeep – for courtyards and balconies instead of backyards that need constant gardening, and for these spaces to work into their lifestyle of ‘lock-up-and-leave’ convenience,” On speaking to a few of Candela’s recent buyers, it was important for them to still have outdoor spaces to enjoy time-out and nature reserves to walk the dogs or, if the grandkids come over, easy access to a park.” Buying an apartment off the plan also affords you brand new plumbing, electrics, fixtures and fittings – offering longevity in the home and lower property maintenance costs.
3. Customise your home
If you buy early enough, you may be able to make some changes to customise to your preferences. . Boland says it’s definitely worth asking for variations that may be possible in the early stages of the development, to create a home that meets your needs. These might include extra storage, doors between the living zones or even combining two apartments to make one larger one.
4. Shared spaces for greater enjoyment
Being connected to the outdoors is still vitally important to downsizers – large courtyards and balconies provide residents with all the benefits of outdoor living, without the maintenance. This means you can still enjoy the garden experience, without having to spend too much time (or solely fund) the upkeep. Many downsizer-friendly apartment buildings also provide shared spaces for residents to utilise. Candela offers a spacious rooftop terrace with views across to the Dandenongs which can be a great way to meet the neighbours and become part of your new community, all while enjoying the outdoors.
5. Increased security levels
An off the plan apartment gives you that most sought-after of new home features, peace of mind. Features such as secure underground parking and secure lift access give residents and their families that sense of safety, security and ease of living they are looking for. You can confidently lock up your home and head out for a day, a week or a month, knowing that you’ll return to your home exactly as you left it. What’s more, all the work involved in maintaining this security is taken care of for you.
“We wanted to stay in our local neighbourhood. It is close to the cafes, parks and railway station. We bought one of the penthouse apartments because we were impressed with the energy rating of the building, beautiful finishes, spacious open plan rooms, stunning sunlit balconies and amazing views. We also liked the idea of a communal rooftop garden and cafe downstairs.” – Candela Buyer
