Newcastle Living Magazine

Downsizing Into An Off-Plan Purchase

Downsizing is a chapter in life many of us go through. Whether it’s for financial advantage, a simplified lifestyle or simply due to old age, buying a home off the plan before construction is a great alternative to the simple method of buying a pre-built home.

Planning to Downsize

To make the downsizing transition as smooth as possible, it’s important to put a firm plan into place. By creating a checklist of tasks to tick off as you go, you will steer clear of the unexpected hurdles that make downsizing tricky. 

One common mistake downsizers make is not knowing the value of their home before selling. To make sure you’re looking in a price range that suits you, have a professional out to give you an appraisal on your current property. This will help you avoid overextending yourself.

The Benefits

One of the greatest benefits of looking at off-plan developments is the ability to move at your own pace. Being able to move when the time is right means you’re not packing during a stressful or busy period. The average off-plan build can take up to 18 months, meaning you have a substantial amount of time before you’re ready to turn the key. This allows for enough time to plan the move and declutter excess furniture or possessions.

Another positive aspect is the ability to customise the home to your liking. Most developments offer the option to add your own look and feel by choosing from a selection of schemes. You can choose options for carpets, benchtops, cabinetry, tiles and much more. Accommodating small variations such as an extra split system, electrical sockets or shower niches may be applicable.