A Guide to Upsizing Your Home

Upsizing is a significant step, often driven by the need for more space or a change in lifestyle. Unlike buying your first home, which often involves compromises, upsizing focuses on finding a property that meets your family’s current and future needs. Here’s how to approach upsizing thoughtfully, with insights tailored to different types of upsizers in Sydney.

Different life stages and priorities lead to upsizing. Here are the most common types:

  • Growing Families: Need more bedrooms, a backyard, and proximity to schools or parks.

  • Remote Professionals: Seek homes with office spaces and larger living areas.

  • Multigenerational Households: Prioritise separate living spaces and flexible layouts.

  • Lifestyle Seekers: Upgrade for comfort, luxury features, or better locations.

  • Long-Term Planners: Look for future-proof homes in growth suburbs.

Choosing the Right Suburb

Location is as important as the property itself. Upsizers typically seek family-friendly suburbs with the following:

  • Proximity to Schools and Childcare: Ideal for families with young children or those planning for the future.

  • Parks and Recreation: Green spaces and playgrounds are essential for active families.

  • Quiet and Safe Streets: Low-traffic neighborhoods with a sense of security.

  • Local Amenities: Access to shops, community facilities, and healthcare.

  • Larger Blocks: Suburbs with spacious lots offer room to grow.

While some may move further from the CBD for larger homes and land, compromising too much on location—such as settling on a busy street—can detract from long-term satisfaction.

Key Features to Look for When Upsizing

No matter the type of upsizer, the following features are often at the top of the priority list:

  • Adequate Bedrooms: Three to four bedrooms, ideally on the same floor for families with young children.

  • Multiple Bathrooms: At least two bathrooms or an en suite for convenience.

  • Functional Living Spaces: Open-plan areas visible from the kitchen and a second living space for children’s activities.

  • Outdoor Space: A backyard that’s easily supervised from the main living areas.

  • Additional Storage: Extra cupboards, sheds, or attic space for growing families or multigenerational households.

  • Home Office: Dedicated workspaces for remote professionals.

  • Style and Longevity: For long-term upsizers, the home’s construction and aesthetic, such as brick versus weatherboard, are key considerations.

Avoid Common Upsizing Mistakes

Upsizing comes with its own challenges. Avoid these pitfalls:

  • Overextending Finances: Bigger homes mean higher costs for maintenance, utilities, and rates. Budget realistically to avoid stress.

  • Rushing the Process: Research the area, inspect properties thoroughly, and avoid hasty decisions.

  • Skipping Due Diligence: Professional inspections and local market research are critical for avoiding surprises.

  • Compromising Too Much: Don’t sacrifice lifestyle or functionality just to get into a particular suburb or property.

How a Buyer’s Agent Can Help Upsizers

Upsizing often involves juggling the sale of your current home and the purchase of your next one. A buyer’s agent can simplify this process by:

  • Strategic Planning: Advising whether to sell or buy first based on market conditions.

  • Tailored Property Search: Finding homes that meet your specific needs, saving you time.

  • Negotiation Expertise: Securing the best terms for both selling and buying.

  • Streamlined Transactions: Coordinating inspections, contracts, and timelines to ensure a smooth transition.

Getting Started

Define your must-haves and set a realistic budget. Research suburbs that align with your lifestyle and family goals. If selling your current home, ensure it’s market-ready with professional staging or minor upgrades to maximise its value.

With the right preparation and expert support, such as a buyer’s agent, upsizing can be a seamless process, giving you the space and comfort your family deserves.