10 tips for downsizers returning to the market

May 20, 2025

10 TIPS FOR DOWNSIZERS RETURNING TO THE MARKET

LEARN HOW TO RE-ENTER AND NAVIGATE THE CURRENT PROPERTY MARKET.

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INTRODUCTION

Hi there home buyer.

Welcome to "10 Tips for Downsizers Returning to the Market," a practical guide tailored specifically for seasoned individuals re-entering the housing market after decades in their family homes.


Fear of overpaying for a property after being out of the market for so long can be daunting. This guide is designed to alleviate those concerns by providing a structured approach to research, market analysis, and setting a budget that aligns with current property values and your financial comfort level.


By following these steps, you'll gain confidence and clarity in navigating today's market complexities. 

Given the significance of this decision at this stage of life, thorough preparation is crucial. Use this resource to confidently re-enter the market, conduct thorough research, and find a home that not only fits your practical needs but also provides peace of mind for your future.


Here's to navigating the process with confidence and finding the perfect property to embark on your next chapter!


Happy house hunting! 

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THE GOOD STUFF

What to focus on when buying.


  1. Start by assembling a strong property team including a real estate agent to sell your home, a solicitor to attend to contracts and a financial advisor to guide you through the process.
  2. Conduct thorough market research so to understand current market trends, property values, and neighbourhood dynamics in your suburbs of interest.
  3. Assess your financial situation and establish a realistic budget including potential financing options if needed.
  4. Define your must-have and flexible features for your new home.
  5. Plan for any future changes in mobility or lifestyle to ensure the home meets long-term needs.
  6. Get a feel for different properties on the market to refine your preferences by attending open homes.
  7. Understand how auctions work by visiting several from different agencies.
  8. Use your research to negotiate effectively, aiming for a fair price based on current market conditions.
  9. Carefully review all contract terms with your solicitor before signing.
  10. Start to declutter and plan and organise your move well in advance to minimise stress and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

CONCLUSION

This is just the beginning. 

At Hyde Burchell Buyers Agents, we believe property buyers in Canberra deserve the same expertise and support as sellers and this complimentary resource is just one of many we offer to start you on your property journey with confidence. You can check them all out  here.


However we understand that buying a property is about more than just bricks and mortar, so with services starting at just $1000+gst, we offer a range of solutions designed to suit every budget, making empowered property purchases in Canberra accessible to all.


Whether you're a local Canberran searching for your next home, relocating to our beautiful city, or contemplating a change in your housing situation, partnering with us ensures you reclaim your time, alleviate concerns about overpaying, and make well-informed decisions backed by our deep local market expertise and respected position as Canberra’s preferred buyers agency.


If you need more assistance or prefer not to navigate this journey alone, we're here to help. Reach out and have a conversation with us today

Penny and Ian — Hyde Burchell Buyers Agents In Canberra, ACT
Penny — Hyde Burchell Buyers Agents In Canberra, ACT
Ian — Hyde Burchell Buyers Agents In Canberra, ACT
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Understanding the Canberra Property Market First things first: let’s talk about the Canberra property market. As a city, Canberra offers a wide range of properties, from sleek apartments in the city center to spacious homes in family-friendly suburbs like Belconnen, Woden, or Tuggeranong. In recent years, Canberra’s property prices have been on the rise, but compared to cities like Sydney or Melbourne, it still offers relatively more affordable options, especially if you’re willing to look at up-and-coming suburbs. The key is setting a realistic budget and knowing where you want to live. With a strong economy, a thriving job market (hello, government work!), and low interest rates, now might be the perfect time to make the leap from renting to owning.
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What If You Don’t Use a Buyers Agent? Technically, you can buy a home without a buyers agent — but it’s a little like going to court without a lawyer. You’re dealing with contracts, negotiations, inspections, and a six-figure investment. Also, if you go straight to the listing agent, they represent the seller, not you. They may be friendly and helpful, but their job is to get the best deal for the seller, not for you. In most cases, having a buyers agent saves you more than it cost you in time, stress, and money in the long run. Buyers agents typically charge either a fixed fee or a percentage of the purchase price, this will vary depending on the length and breadth of experience of the agents in the industry and in the Canberra property market. The percentage based model will have agencies charging between 1% & 3% of the purchase price usually with an upfront engagement fee paid at the commencement of the search with the remainder paid upon exchange of contracts on the property. Some agencies like ours, Hyde Burchell Buyers Agents, charge a flat fee that varies depending on the service that best suits your needs and budget. In the past we have swayed between a fixed or percentage model but we find that our clients prefer to know what the total cost will be regardless of the end purchase price of the property. With a fixed fee, they know our intention is to always find the most suitable property and not the most expensive one. Some important factors to consider when choosing a buyers agent and considering the fees against other agencies are. Is the buyers agency totally independent and not part of a selling agency or development company Do the buyers agents work fulltime in the industry and have a bricks and mortar office that you could visit if you chose to? Does your buyers agent use the latest technology and software so that the process is as seamless as possible? Has your buyers agent just finished an online course and is now dabbling in the real estate space part time to earn some extra income or are they a seasoned professional? Is your buyers agent based in Canberra and not working behind a laptop from another part of Australia and directing you to properties based on data alone and not local knowledge? Hyde Burchell Buyers agents offer fixed fee prices for a variety of services including downsizers, auction bidding, investors and first time buyers.