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Downsizing in St George: Complete Guide for Empty Nesters
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Downsizing in St George: Complete Guide for Empty Nesters

Michael Kalinovski
3 min read

Quick Answer

Planning to downsize? This comprehensive guide covers everything from finding the right property to making the emotional transition smooth.

Why Downsize in St George?

After raising a family in your much-loved home, the decision to downsize is significant. Many of my clients choose to stay in St George when downsizing - and for good reason. The area offers excellent downsizer-friendly properties while allowing you to stay close to friends, family, and familiar places.

Best Suburbs for Downsizers

For Waterfront Living

  • Sans Souci: Villas and apartments with water views
  • Brighton-Le-Sands: Beachfront units and townhouses
  • For Convenience

  • Kogarah: Close to hospital and shops
  • Hurstville: Everything within walking distance
  • For Value

  • Rockdale: Quality townhouses near station
  • Beverly Hills: Modern developments with amenities
  • Property Types for Downsizers

    Villas

  • Single-level living
  • Small courtyard garden
  • Often in small complexes
  • Price range: $900,000-$1.4M
  • Townhouses

  • Modern layouts
  • Lock-up-and-leave convenience
  • Often 2-3 bedrooms
  • Price range: $1.0M-$1.5M
  • Apartments

  • Minimal maintenance
  • Building amenities (gym, pool)
  • Views in some cases
  • Price range: $600,000-$1.2M
  • Financial Considerations

    Downsizer Super Contribution

  • If you're 55+, you can contribute up to $300,000 per person from the sale of your home into superannuation
  • Doesn't count toward contribution caps
  • Great way to boost retirement savings
  • Capital Gains

  • Your principal residence is CGT-free
  • Plan the timing of sale and purchase carefully
  • Stamp Duty

  • Budget for stamp duty on your new purchase
  • No concessions for downsizers (unlike first home buyers)
  • The Emotional Side of Downsizing

    I've helped many families through this transition, and I understand it's not just about bricks and mortar. Here's how to make it easier:

    1. Give yourself time: Don't rush the decision 2. Involve family: But remember it's your decision 3. Focus on the positives: Less maintenance, more freedom 4. Plan the declutter: Start early, room by room 5. Create new memories: Look forward to your new chapter

    Decluttering Tips

  • Start 6-12 months before you plan to move
  • Work through one room at a time
  • Ask: "Do I use it? Do I love it? Does it fit the new home?"
  • Digitize photos and documents
  • Consider hiring a decluttering specialist
  • Moving Checklist

    3 Months Before

  • Research new suburbs and property types
  • Get your home appraised
  • Start decluttering
  • 2 Months Before

  • List your home for sale
  • Start serious searching
  • Get quotes from removalists
  • 1 Month Before

  • Finalize purchase
  • Book removalists
  • Organize utility transfers
  • Moving Week

  • Final pack
  • Clean old home
  • Celebrate your new chapter!
  • Find Your Perfect Downsizer Property

    I specialize in helping downsizers find their ideal next home while achieving the best possible result for their current property. Let's discuss your plans over a coffee - no pressure, just honest advice.

Related Topics

downsizingempty nestersretirementlow maintenancelifestyle
Michael Kalinovski - Licensed Real Estate Agent

Written by

Michael Kalinovski

Licensed Real Estate Agent with 25+ years experience in Sydney's St George region. Specialising in Rockdale, Brighton-Le-Sands, Sans Souci, and Kogarah. 5.0 Google rating, with 127+ reviews across Google, RateMyAgent and realestate.com.au.

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Expert Consultation with Michael Kalinovski

Navigating the 2026 property market in St George requires local expertise. Whether you're selling an investment property or looking for a free market appraisal, Michael Kalinovski offers 25+ years of St George experience and a 5.0-star Google rating, with 127+ verified reviews across Google, RateMyAgent and realestate.com.au.

Servicing Rockdale, Brighton-Le-Sands, Sans Souci, Kogarah, Banksia & all St George suburbs