TrueCost is a new feature on Downsizing.com.au that gives you a clear, personalised breakdown of the costs of moving into a retirement village—before you sign anything. Powered by VillageGuru, a TrueCost Report shows your entry fees, ongoing charges, exit fees, potential equity, pension impact, and buyback timeframes in plain English. Simply look for the TrueCost badge on listings and tick the box to request your free report. It’s the easiest way to make one of life’s biggest financial decisions with confidence.
Top 5 Downsizing Tips
Five practical ways to make your downsizing journey smoother, smarter, and more financially rewarding
By Rachel Lane
Downsizing is about more than just moving to a smaller home—it’s about creating a lifestyle that works for the next chapter of your life. It can be a smart financial decision, a wellbeing boost, and a chance to focus on what matters most. But like any big move, it pays to go in with your eyes open.
That’s why Downsizing.com.au has launched TrueCost—a new type of listing that includes a personalised retirement village financial report, powered by VillageGuru. A TrueCost Report shows your entry fees, ongoing charges, exit fees, pension impact, and more—helping you make one of life’s biggest decisions with confidence.
Here are my top five tips for a smoother, smarter downsizing journey.
1. Know Your “Why”
Before browsing listings or packing boxes, get clear on why you’re downsizing. Is it to free up money, reduce maintenance, be closer to family, or improve health and safety? Your “why” will guide decisions around where to move, what type of home suits you, and how much to spend.
2. Crunch the Numbers—Carefully
Downsizing can unlock equity, but the long-term financial impacts vary. Selling your home might make you eligible for the Age Pension or Rent Assistance—or reduce payments depending on how you invest the proceeds.
That’s where a TrueCost Listing helps. Powered by VillageGuru, it provides a personalised report detailing:
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Retirement village entry, ongoing, and exit costs
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Your likely exit entitlement and buyback timeframes
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Pension, Rent Assistance, and home care impacts
Look for the TrueCost badge on listings and tick the box:
“Please send me a TrueCost Financial Report for this village”
3. Think “Future You”
Don’t just choose a home for today—choose one that will suit you in 10 or 15 years. Look for:
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Step-free access
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Wide doorways and accessible bathrooms
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On-site support or services for ageing in place
The right choice now can help you stay independent for longer.
4. Understand Your Contract
Retirement village contracts—leasehold, licence, or strata—are different from standard homeownership. They set out your rights, responsibilities, and costs, including Deferred Management Fees (DMF) and capital gain/loss rules. Always read the fine print, or better yet, get professional advice before signing.
5. Go for the Vibe
A floorplan matters, but the community feel is just as important:
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Are people friendly and welcoming?
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Are there activities you’ll enjoy?
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Are shops, transport, and medical services nearby?
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Can you “lock and leave” safely if you want to travel?
The right home should enhance your lifestyle, not limit it.
The Bottom Line
Downsizing is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. With the right research, the right home, and the right tools—like a TrueCost Report powered by VillageGuru—you can make a move that boosts your finances, improves your lifestyle, and sets you up for the future.
Ready to plan your next move?
Start with a TrueCost Listing and request your personalised financial report today.
With so many moving parts in retirement village contracts, TrueCost gives you the clarity to make the smartest financial choice for your next chapter.
Rachel Lane Presents Our TrueCost Editorials Series
- TrueCost Launch: A New Way to Downsize with Confidence
- Five Steps to Calculating a Retirement Village Exit Fee
- What Will Downsizing Really Cost?
- Supersize Your Downsize
- Top 5 Downsizing Tips
- Am I a Homeowner?
- How Much Can You Have and Still Get the Age Pension?
