Downsizing is about more than moving to a smaller home

Australia’s ageing population is creating a need and opportunity to reshape housing supply, but attracting downsizers requires more than simply building properties with fewer bedrooms. These buyers are increasingly looking for homes that offer convenience, flexibility and a compelling lifestyle.By 2050, 35% of Australians are expected to be aged 55 and over, up from 29% in 2025. And by 2070, those aged over 55 are expected to outnumber those aged 25 to 54.As household sizes decline and people live longer, the needs of older Australians will play an increasingly important role in shaping housing demand.Homes occupied by older Australians often have considerably more space than required. Picture: GettyDespite these shifting demographics, the housing market is still not set up to meet the needs of many older Australians.Older households typically occupy homes with more space than they require, while younger families face greater competition for suitable housing.Research by over-50s lifestyle resort operator GemLife and REA Group highlights this mismatch, as well as the opportunity to encourage more Australians to move into homes better suited to their changing needs.Read the full repo...