Couple sees downsizing as upgrading their lifestyle

These two couples are downsizing but they see it as upgrading their lifestyle and ‘rightsizing’.

SAFETY is among the leading reasons why people such as John and Kay Clark are downsizing.

The retirees have ditched the garden at their old home at Emerald Lakes and moved to Marina Concourse at Carrara so they could continue to travel.

The couple ditched their old Emerald Lakes home. Carrara. Picture: Jerad Williams

As retirees Mrs Clark said the apartment gave them peace of mind.

“Because we go away a lot it’s a lot more secure to go to an apartment and it’s low maintenance,” she said.

But they did not want to skrimp on quality. Their new unit has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a lounge and dining room and large balcony.

“For the value, we think to buy off a plan is the right way.”

The Clarks also opted for an apartment building that was only six storeys high as they didn’t want to live in a highrise tower.

“This apartment is just beautiful — it’s on the end of the building with glass on three sides and the views are great,” she said.

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Over in Palm Beach, for Jennifer and Stuart Hall it isn’t downsizing but ‘”rightsizing”.

The couple are set to move into a brand-new apartment next year at Magnoli Palm Beach and can’t wait for the smaller space.

The Halls moved from Sydney to Coomera Waters three years ago with house prices in Sydney too high, but now Mrs Hall said their four-bedroom home was simply too big to maintain.

“We went to a talk and he was calling it rightsizing rather than downsizing,” she said. “We’ve got all these deadrooms we don’t use — two bedrooms that never get used — so we wanted somewhere where we’ll use all the space.”

The new apartment has given them peace of mind. Picture: Jerad Williams

However, the couple didn’t want to go too small as they wanted their grandchildren to visit, so bought a two-bedroom plus study apartment.

“We wanted somewhere close to cafes and restaurants, so we were originally looking at Broadbeach but we found they were too small,” she said.

“We can’t wait to get there. It’ll be so much easier and only take five minute to clean. We’re also planning a trip and when we want to go away we can just lock up and go.”