3 Rules for Downsizing Your Sunshine Coast Property

As people are generally living longer healthier lives, there is a relatively new player in the property market; that of the downsizer or empty nester.  Traditionally, people stayed in their family home until they died or went into a retirement village/aged care facility; however, now we are experiencing a tsunami of people in the 50+ age group selling the family home earlier and ‘downsizing’ to simplify their life and access the capital they have in their property, so that they may enjoy enhanced financial security, a more effortless lifestyle, plus indulge in activities such as travel, with a property that is more suitable to ‘lock and leave’.  Downsizing is a very real phenomenon and lifestyle regions with great climates and beautiful beaches/countryside such as the Sunshine Coast are prime destinations for this wave of buyers.

If you are considering downsizing on the Sunshine Coast, here are three factors to consider.

1. Research – like with all property purchases, you need to research what’s happening in the current market in the area you live in right now, as this will impact on the price you can achieve; plus, you need to know what’s happening in the market in the area you want to buy into, this impacts on the price you will have to pay.

2. Type of Property – how much ‘downsizing’ are you going to do?  Are you ready for an apartment, or is a duplex with a small garden more to your taste?  If you have been living in an extremely large residence with substantial sized grounds, you may still want to buy a house, but a much smaller one on a low maintenance block – there is plenty of choice in this sector, particularly in newly developed estates on the Sunshine Coast.  Or are you ready to purchase a villa in an over 50’s village?  You need to really think long and hard about why you are downsizing and what your new life will look like, so you make the best possible decision at time of purchasing.

3. Timing – market conditions vary in a cyclical manner, usually driven and influenced by external economic factors.  If you are buying and selling in the same market, it shouldn’t make too much of a difference whether the market is buoyant or flat; you will secure a higher price in a more active market, but then again, you will also pay more for your next property than you would in a less active market.  In a healthy market, your property may sell much more quickly that you might anticipate, so are you ready to move?  Have you found your next property?  In a slower market, be prepared for the fact you may have to wait longer to sell.   Generally, though you would be expecting to pocket some surplus capital when downsizing, that is part of the attraction.  If this isn’t going to happen, perhaps the timing is not quite right.

There is a lot to consider, but when all is ‘said and done’, you should now be able to enjoy increased leisure time and some extra cash in the bank!

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Sheree Atkinson
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April 11, 2023

Lee made the selling of a deceased loved one's unit a smooth process at a difficult time. He ensured continued exposure of the property in the market and guided me through the requirements and decisions needing to be dealt with. I found Lee to be very capable, friendly and reliable and would highly recommend him to other sellers.

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Diane Harrison
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February 12, 2022

I highly recommend Lee and his Team to anyone wanting to sell. There were numerous issues along the way of our sale, which delayed the final settlement by months (none at the fault of our agents). Lee talked everyone through all the issues and ensured that everything was resolved with minimal fuss. He saved the day (and the sale) on numerous occasions and kept things on track when we had all but given up. Many thanks

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Graeme Smith
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February 3, 2022

I was very satisfied with the assistance provided to me by Lee personally and his support team. Real estate dealings can be very stressful but Lee did not create any stress for me. Thanks Lee.

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Carolyn Brewer
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February 2, 2022

Lee was amazing throughout the whole sale process. We'd actually met Lee years earlier when we were thinking of selling and he gave us his books. We kept them and read through when we were ready to sell and called him again. We followed his advice to get our home sale ready and we had record numbers through on our first open home. We got numerous offers well above our asking price and received $50k over the asking price! Lee and Justin are a fabulous team, so professional and really know the real estate market. We're glad we chose them as our agents and would highly recommend them.

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Randall Burow
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February 2, 2022
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Corrie Hemming
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February 1, 2022

I found Lee to be knowledgeable, efficient and helpful. He assisted me with my home purchase and was able to guide me through the process.

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January 30, 2022
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Arthur Collins
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January 30, 2022

After listing our home with other agents for 3 months with out any luck, Lee had it sold within a week of listing it and at a price above what the other agents said we would get. would recommend Lee any time.

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Lynda Michel
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January 28, 2022

Lee and his team were simply amazing. From the marketing right through to the sale of our precious home. Highly recommend for a professional property agent.

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Ian Mayers
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January 28, 2022

From the first meeting until the last we knew we had made the right choice with Lee, Justin and the team at Leading Realty. No nonsense honesty is what you get, no hidden costs, very upfront and a great deal all round. The follow up was fantastic, really more than helpful. Cannot praise nor thank them enough

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ian mayers
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December 8, 2021

Would highly recommend Lee and his team. Very helpful, professional and courteous. Excellent result for the sale of our home. Sale was Well over list price and sold in four days. Kae and Ian Mayers

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Wilma Fratter
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November 1, 2021

Always a pleasure working with Lee and Leading Realty team. Exceptional communication and professionalism. Looking forward to be apart of their marketing team.

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Karen Giumelli
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April 16, 2021

Lee and his team have just sold our property in Bli Bli for well above the listed price. His professionalism and attention to detail when listing our property resulted in multiple offers at the first open home that exceeded all our expectations. Lee guided us through the whole process from listing to sale with patience and good humour making it stress free for us.

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Carla Humphreys
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April 14, 2021

I was lucky enough to work with Justin Christopher, he was a pleasure to work with, very friendly and professional.

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Natalie Atkinson
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April 14, 2021

I have dealt with Lee and his team for over 10years. His professionalism, knowledge and hard work is a true asset to himself and his clients. I am confident in recommending Lee to anyone wanting to buy or sell real estate on the Sunshine Coast. Thanks for all your hard work.

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Dave Graham
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March 5, 2021

The team at Lee Sutherland are superb! Their friendly, responsive team will do everything they can to assist. Highly recommended if you're looking for a Real Estate agent on the Sunshine Coast.

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Naomi Twyford
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March 1, 2021

Lee & Justin are one of the best agents on the Sunshine Coast! Their passion for acheiving the best result possible for thie clients is unrivalled. I have had the pleasure of knowing them both for just over 4 years and during this time I have seen the lengths they will go to for their clients. Congratulations gents on building such a powerful real estate team - Naomi

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charlie brown
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January 22, 2021

Lee and Justin are the best agents we have ever dealt with. They are kind, courteous, knowledgeable, proactive and honest. They are the very best in their field and always have their client's well being in all their negotiations. If they say to do something...just do it! you will be amazed at the result. Lee was able to return an extra $30k above listed price by utilising his immense knowledge of the Real Estate industry. You cannot go wrong.

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Jamie Thorburn
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January 23, 2020

Just bought a house in Buderim. Lee and Justin were the agents for the seller - they were a pleasure to deal with: friendly, thoroughly professional, and always ready to respond to our call or email. Thanks guys! We’re planning to stay here for quite a while - but if we were to sell up, without any hesitation this team would be our first call.

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