Downsizing certainly has its advantages. Not only will you save a ton of money on home-related costs, but you also have the opportunity to select a new, low-maintenance home better suited to your lifestyle (less cleaning, less work and less expensive!).

If you’ve been thinking of downsizing your home to something more modern, practical and functional, here are three new home styles you’ll want to consider: 

Duplexes: Single-Family Home Living Without All the Work 

Duplexes are a popular choice among downsizers looking for a more manageable space but still wanting to enjoy a few “larger-home features,” including:

• Two or three bedrooms and bathrooms
• A master suite (walk-in closet and ensuite)
• A private rear yard space
• Attached garage and private driveway
• A roomy open floor plan

Although newly constructed duplexes maintain several things in common with their single-family counterparts, they are much lower maintenance in terms of square footage and yard space as well as mortgage and utility payments. While you will be sharing a wall with a neighbour, modern building practices and soundproofing ensure you’ll maintain a sense of privacy.

Other contemporary amenities you can look forward to in a brand-new duplex:

• 1,300 + square feet of comfortable living space on average
• Open-concept floorplans, perfect for both mobility and entertaining
• Oversized kitchen islands
• Bonus room options
• Double attached front garages
• Oversized walk through pantries
• Upper floor laundry (no more hauling clothes up and down the stairs)
• And more!

Bungalows: No Stairs, No Problem

When it comes to leading a comfortable lifestyle, nothing beats a brand-new bungalow. A downsizer’s dream, these low-maintenance models come equipped with all the modern finishes and amenities you’ve come to expect in a new home – strategically laid out on one convenient level. Of the many advantages that come along with these accessible homes, a few of the main benefits include:

Bright and open floor plans – Despite having everything on the main floor, you’ll enjoy a roomy, airy living space that’s great for entertaining.  

Perfect for seniors – Thanks to its single-floor design, these models are ideal for older homeowners and/or those who may have mobility issues.  

Privacy – Unlike a duplex or townhome where you may share a wall with a neighbour, a bungalow stands on its own lot. In addition to private yard space, bungalows also tend to keep a low-profile, allowing them to be easily shielded via trees, bushes and other beautiful (privacy-inducing) landscaping features.

Family-friendly – Again, thanks to their single-floor layout, bungalows make a great choice for those with young children or grandchildren.

Other bungalow-based perks:

• 1,500 + square feet of living space (on average)
• Master suites including walk-in closet and ensuite
• Double front attached garages
• Garage entry with adjoining mudroom
• Ample storage and counter space
• And more!

A Custom Design: The Perfect Plan to Age in Place

When it comes to downsizing, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What may meet one homeowner’s specific wants and needs may not be suitable for someone else. For this reason, we recommend working with a new home builder who specializes in custom design options. 

Not only will you have a variety of models, floor plans and layouts to choose from, but you’ll be able to custom tailor your new home’s design to your unique lifestyle. Even better, if your custom builder’s portfolio doesn’t have the exact solution you’re looking for, they will work with you to draft, design and build your perfect home from the ground up.

To learn more about San Rufo’s many downsizer-friendly home models, we invite you to get in touch with us today! You can also have our latest blogs, news and updates delivered directly to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter below: