After decades in the family home, the decision to downsize is rarely just about property. It is about making room for an easier, more connected way of life. Yet for many Canberra homeowners considering downsizing, a subdued real estate market has introduced another question: should we move now, or wait?
The hesitation is understandable. Domain reported that Canberra house and unit prices both fell 2.5 per cent in the June 2026 quarter. But waiting for the ‘perfect’ market can also mean postponing the lifestyle people have worked towards.
At Goodwin, we believe downsizing deserves a broader conversation: one that considers financial choices, practical support and quality of life together. Our retirement living communities in Canberra offer opportunities to embrace a more connected lifestyle, with options to suit different needs and circumstances.
Erik Boddeus, Goodwin Executive Manager Retirement Living, Property and Development
That begins by understanding what is really holding someone back. Is it uncertainty about the home’s sale price? The emotional task of sorting a lifetime of possessions? Or the prospect of coordinating agents, styling, packing and removalists?
Through our Move Easier by Goodwin program, we work alongside trusted partners to offer personalised moving concierge support. From practical advice on preparing a home for sale to help coordinating decluttering and packing, our focus is on making an otherwise daunting transition more manageable.
It is also about considering the full financial picture. A lower-than-hoped-for sale price might be disappointing, but maintaining a larger home comes with ongoing costs, work and responsibilities. With independent financial advice, people can weigh those realities against the freedom and convenience of retirement living, rather than making a decision based on the sale price alone.
To address the challenges of the current property market, we offer a flexible contract option that reduces the upfront ingoing contribution, providing a practical solution for those ready to downsize, even when the sale of their family home falls short of expectations.
Under our 70 per cent ingoing contribution arrangement, eligible residents can move into a premium three-bedroom apartment at Goodwin Village Downer for just around $850,000 upfront, with the remaining financial considerations addressed through the contract’s departure arrangements.
This provides another way for people to make their move sooner, without having to wait for the perfect property market.
Goodwin Village Downer, now welcoming residents in Canberra’s inner north, offers contemporary independent living apartments, including premium three-bedroom options, and serviced apartments with help for everyday tasks such as meals, cleaning and laundry.
The village also includes shared facilities, landscaped grounds and a connected neighbourhood to create opportunities to enjoy retirement on your own terms.
The question is not simply, ‘What will my house sell for today?’ It is also, ‘What could my next few years look like?’
With the right guidance and practical support, the next chapter may be closer than you think.
Explore your retirement living options with Goodwin and discover how we can support your next move.
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