Four reasons to hit 'go' on downsizing

Multiple spare bedrooms, grand entrances and palatial homes may be the right choice for some. However, more and more homeowners are seeing the value of downsizing and living in homes that are big enough to meet their needs and small enough to be affordable, convenient and easy to maintain. From affordability and security to convenience and a simple way of life, there are many upsides to downsizing. Jawitz Properties unpacks the advantages of smaller homes.

1. Affordability and increased cash flow

Simply put, small homes are typically far more affordable than large ones. And by more affordable, we aren't only referring to your monthly bond repayments. In a small home, your rates and levies (if applicable) are likely to be lower, and you'll also see savings on your utility bills.

It's also worth considering the other costs associated with running a big home. Garden services, swimming pool maintenance and security all add to the list of expenses. Smaller homes - if they are part of a sectional title complex - offer many of the same benefits that owners of large properties enjoy, but at a fraction of the cost. With the average family feeling the pressure on their disposable income, considering a small, easy-to-maintain property is a smart financial decision.

Also, smaller lock-up-and-go properties in estates and sectional title schemes tend to grow in value over time, making your property not only a great home but also a smart investment.

2. Security considerations

It's impossible to place too much value on peace of mind, and smaller homes are often easier and more affordable to secure. For many families, moving from a standalone house to a smaller unit within a sectional title scheme or estate means a drastic improvement in their way of life. These environments offer idyllic surroundings for children to grow up in and a way of life that families aspire to. If you live on a large property, you're likely to need an alarm system, beams, electric fencing and cameras to feel secure in your home. In many smaller sectional title properties, security is taken care of for you and covered by your levies.

The old adage of "safety in numbers" means that you are less likely to become a victim of a crime if your neighbours are close by. If you live in a smaller home in a complex or an estate, you're more likely to get to know your neighbours and reap the benefits of being part of a close-knit community.

3. Optimal convenience and less upkeep

What could be more convenient than a lock-up-and-go lifestyle? Without expansive properties, big gardens and features like swimming pools to worry about, spur-of-the-moment holidays and weekends away are a breeze. If you have a smaller property, much less of your weekends and free time will be spent on maintaining your home and garden, leaving you to spend your leisure time doing the things you really want to do.

4. Positive changes to your lifestyle

Downsizing to a smaller home may force you to reduce the amount of clutter you own and, of course, having fewer rooms means less time spent cleaning. While having a spare bedroom or two is a nice-to-have on the odd occasion when you might have friends or family members come to stay, many families end up discovering that the many advantages of smaller homes outweigh this.

If you'd like to downsize and find a smaller property that will meet your family's needs, Jawitz Properties is here to help. Contact us today for help with buying and selling property in any corner of South Africa.