How We Help · One Stop Service
How We Help You Downsize, Build or Renovate for Retirement
Retirement has a way of sneaking up on us, and downsizing is a decision you want to get right. Done well, it frees up the cash you need and takes the stress out of the years ahead.
We bring property development, renovation, buyers and sellers advice, finance and planning contacts together under one roof, and we put you first.
Turning the Family Home Into Your Retirement Plan
We were all told to buy a home, build the dream and pay it off. For many people the family home then became a money pit: a large, expensive house that holds most of their wealth while retirement income falls short.
It does not have to stay that way. With the right plan, the family home can become the investment it was always meant to be. Sometimes the solution is so simple our clients say, “Why didn’t we think of that?”
We love property and we love helping people come out with more money than they would have had. We do earn a fee, and our job is to make sure you come out the other side with a lot more dollars in your pocket.
Our process
Four Steps, Before You Commit to Anything
Our system is set up so you understand the opportunity in front of you and how we work at each step, before you commit.
Getting to know you
Where you are now financially and physically, where you want to be, your bucket list and how long you plan to stay in the area.
You getting to know us
Who we are, how we work, how we are paid and how our clients have benefited.
Your property
Market value, developer value and what your block could support, checked online first and then on site.
Your plan
Options compared side by side with costs and likely outcomes, then we hold your hand through every step.
One stop
What We Can Help With
Stephen Lazar, founder of properT network, brings nearly 20 years in property alongside a background in financial planning and mortgage broking, plus a network of trusted builders, agents, planners and advisers.
Your questions
Frequently Asked Questions
We love your questions. Here are the ones we hear most. Work with us and we will answer the rest so you can make your own informed decision.
How do I know it is time to downsize?
If you no longer need all the space, the home costs too much to run and maintain, stairs or the garden are getting harder, or most of your wealth is tied up in the house while your income is tight, it is worth exploring. See when is it time to downsize.
What are the benefits of downsizing?
Freeing up capital, lower running costs, a home that suits the next 20 years, and the option to add up to $300,000 each to super with the downsizer contribution.
I want a sea or tree change. How do I know where to look?
Start with lifestyle, health care, transport and family, then check the housing market, supply and resale depth. Our sister sites cover Queensland and Victorian locations in detail.
What type of home should I downsize into?
Townhouses, apartments, single-level homes, lock-up-and-leave homes for travel, or a new backyard home on your own block. We help you weigh each against your plans.
Can I build a granny flat to live in and rent out my home?
Often, yes, subject to council approval. See build a backyard home.
Can I buy a duplex, live in one side and rent the other?
Yes. It is a popular way to downsize while keeping an income. We can show you suitable new duplex and dual-key homes.
How do I get the best price when I sell?
Know both your market value and developer value, present the home well and choose the right sale method. See what is my home worth and selling privately.
What renovation works best before selling?
Usually kitchen, paint, flooring, lighting, street appeal and professional styling, not structural work. See renovating for retirement.
What should I do with the money left over?
Many clients split it between the next home, super and an investment property that pays rent in retirement. See properT network.
How are you paid?
We are transparent about it. Depending on the service we are paid a fee, or by the developer or builder when you buy a new property through us. We will explain how before you commit to anything.
No obligation
Let’s Start With a Conversation
Tell us where you are now and where you would like to be. There is no obligation.
Prefer to call? 0413 108 125
One Network. Nationwide Reach.
Part Of The properT network Family
Downsizing for Retirement is one specialist site within the properT network group: the same independent advisory approach, applied across states and property types.