Grandparents Moving In: The Inner West’s Growing Trend of Downsizing

Why are Downsizing Grandparents moving to the Inner West?

Local buyer’s agent Judith Treanor of Buyers Butler discusses the trend amongst downsizing grandparents to head to the Inner West – and what to look for in a low maintenance property

If you’ve noticed more over 60s joining the morning coffee queue at your local café or meeting their grandkids for after-school pickups, you’re not imagining it. A growing number of grandparents are downsizing – selling up in regional NSW, interstate, or overseas – and heading to the Inner West to be closer to family. As a buyer’s agent with in-depth knowledge of the Inner West, I’m seeing this trend firsthand – and for good reason.

But here’s the thing: demand for low-maintenance downsizer properties in the Inner West has turned into one of the most competitive sectors of Sydney’s real estate scene. If your parents are planning to move, working with a buyer’s agent can give them the edge.

Why are over 60s downsizing?

Like many Baby Boomers, the need for a low maintenance home and to be close to family is the main driver as many want to be part of their children and grandchildren’s lives. But, with an ageing demographic, there are also other factors at play. I’m seeing people in this age bracket who have divorced later in life and they’re going through the trauma of selling a large family home and starting over. There are also widows and widowers who have lost their spouse and are seeking closer connections with their younger family members.

In many cases this type of property buyer hasn’t been active in the real estate market for decades. Most won’t be used to the speed of home buying today, or the digitisation of the home search. It’s highly likely this type of buyer would rather be doing something else with their time than attending multiple home inspections week after week. This is where a buyers agent can be of tremendous help.

When downsizing, it’s essential to prioritise factors like accessibility, property size, and future-proofing their new home. Single-level layouts, minimal stairs, and low-maintenance gardens are key considerations. With a professional buyers agent leading the home search, many of these older buyers will only hear about shortlisted properties that match that brief.

What attracts downsizers to the Inner West?

Downsizers are attracted to the Inner West’s unique mix of convenience, culture, and character-filled but low maintenance homes. Many retirees are cashing in on the value of their larger family homes elsewhere and reinvesting in something smaller but still centrally located.

The Inner West gives them proximity to village centres, each with their own identity, offering everything from exceptional eateries, gourmet providores and libraries, community centres and clubs where they can forge new friendships, plus medical facilities within walking distance. Being close to the city also means easy access to theatres, restaurants, and galleries, as well as major hospitals if required.

The market reality: It’s competitive, and prices reflect it

Downsizer-friendly properties sell quickly – often off-market or pre-auction. Downsizers are generally ready to buy without needing loan approval.

The key issue isn’t necessarily affordability for them; it’s availability. They’re competing with local downsizers, young families upgrading and professionals all wanting low maintenance homes.

Relying on Real Estate realestate.com.au and Domain listings alone when searching for a downsizer home isn’t enough. A buyers agent can be invaluable withhelping older buyers – like house- hunting parents and grandparents ­– to access off-market listings and to movequickly when the right property comes up.

Tapping into my network of local agents and sellers has reaped rewards for families who have engaged my help to get ahead of the competition.

What downsizers are prioritising now

It’s not just about a smaller low-maintenance home – it’s about location and lifestyle. Most downsizers want properties within walking distance of cafes, supermarkets, and transport. They also prioritise proximity to retail hubs like Tramsheds, Darling Street,Balmain, and Birkenhead Point,where shopping and dining are convenient.

For pet lovers, access to dog-friendly parks, like Callan Park and the Bay Run, is also a major factorThese people are looking for a lifestyle where they can stay active, social, and engaged without needing to drive everywhere.

The property types downsizers are targeting

1. Modern apartments with lift access

Security, lift access, and minimal upkeep make modern apartments a go-to choice. In suburbslike Rozelle, Leichhardt, and Forest Lodge, apartments in well-designed complexes are in high demand. For example, Balmain Cove and Balmain Shores in Rozelle, or Abbotsford Cove, offer resort-style living with pools, gyms, and strong community vibes, making them popular with downsizers. Strata fees can be off-putting, but remember in a Torrens title home, you’re responsible for the cost and maintenance yourself — something many downsizers are keen to avoid.

Price guide:

• 2-bedroom apartments in Leichhardt typically start around $950K-$1.2M, with higher-end options reaching up to $1.8M for newer or larger developments.
• In Forest Lodge (particularly around the Tramsheds precinct), you’re looking at $1.3M-$2Mfor premium 2-bedroom apartments.
• Waterfront apartments in Rozelle’s Balmain Shores and Balmain Cove can range from $1.5M-$3M depending on size and views.

2. Renovated federation cottages or semi’s

Single-level homes with original charm — high ceilings, timber floors, and period details — are highly desirable. Downsizers love these homes, but competition is high.

Price guide:

• In Annandale and Stanmore for example, you can expect to pay around $2M-$2.8M for a fully renovated 2-3 bedroom cottage.
• Original-condition homes (if you can find them) typically start around $1.8M.

3. Californian bungalows

Often found in Haberfield, Ashfield, and Lilyfield, these homes provide spacious single-level living with period charm and larger gardens. Some have been beautifully renovated, but there’s also scope for buyers to do their own updates.

Price guide:

• Renovated Californian Bungalows typically range from $2.5M-$3.5M, while those in original condition start around $2M.

4. Townhouses and villas with low-maintenance gardens

These homes offer the perfect middle ground — outdoor space without heavy maintenance or high strata fees. They’re popular with downsizers who want a veggie patch, small dog-friendly garden, or private courtyard. However, these properties will usually have stairs – something less mobile downsizers should consider.

Price guide:

• 2-3 bedroom townhouses and villas in Abbotsford, Five Dock or Lilyfield typically range from $1.5M-$2.2M, depending on location and condition.
• Newer developments or those with premium finishes may well push higher.

So, where should downsizers look (with flexibility in mind)?

• Balmain & Rozelle: For those wanting a mix of village charm and water views. Expect to pay $2.5M+ for renovated cottages or $1.5M-$3.0M for modern apartments.
• Leichhardt: Apartments typically range from $950K-$1.5M, while cottages go for $2M+.
• Drummoyne, Chiswick & Five Dock: Popular for waterside walks and larger parks, with villas and townhouses priced around $1.5M-$2.2M.
• Annandale & Stanmore: Great for single-level Federation homes with charm but expect to pay a premium — $2M-$2.8M for a renovated cottage.
• Lilyfield: Offering modern townhouses and villas near the Bay Run, with prices starting around $1.5M-$2.2M. Cottages and Californian Bungalows typically range from $2M-$3.5M, depending on their condition.
• Summer Hill & Dulwich Hill: Increasingly popular with downsizers because of their strong village feel, tree-lined streets, and well-connected transport options. These suburbs have a mix of renovated apartments and classic Californian Bungalows, typically priced between $1.2M-$3.5M depending on the property type and condition.

(Disclaimer: These price ranges are estimates and can vary based on the property’s condition, size, and location. Some properties may sell for higher or lower.)

Let me help your parents find the right home

The Inner West market is competitive, but with the right strategy and support, your parents can secure the perfect downsizer-friendly property. With access to off-market listings, expert negotiation skills, and an understanding of what downsizers need, I can help make the process seamless, so the “grandparents” have more time to focus on family and their social life.

If they’re ready to make the move, let’s chat.

🌟 Want to speak with Judith?

Judith Treanor, Buyers Agent
Buyers Butler

☎️ 0438 523 064

🌏 buyersbutler.com.au/judithtreanor/