The empty-nester effect

Many people today are seeking to scale down to a smaller residence or unit. Frequently the trigger for this move is the departure of the last of their children from the family home.

Staying where you are

Some in this situation wish to explore the development of their existing site, allowing them to have a new home to match their new requirements, plus an investment property or unit for sale. With the right professional advice this can often secure a new residence at little or no cost. It also has the considerable attraction of retaining the same address to retain your established community of friends and neighbours. And of course, as you already own the land, there is no stamp duty payable.

Not withstanding these considerable benefits, there are many hurdles placed in the way of such a project. Even the most aesthetically pleasing developments can attract objections from neighbours and encounter difficulties with town planning—difficulties that take time and expertise to work through. If considering development of your own property, you are strongly advised to obtain professional advice.

Understanding downsizing

We have been advocates of ‘right sized’, smarter housing since the inception of our company more than 50 years ago. We are not developers. We design individual homes for individual clients. We enjoy creating a sense of light and space in our smaller homes, and assist our clients seeking to develop their present home sites, utilizing our expertise.

Path of the sun

Every home we build, without exception, we design to the path of the sun and the contours of the site. The very idea seems innovative, yet we have built this way for more than a generation.

Experienced personnel

Our design personnel are fully conversant with town planning requirements and, where necessary, we retain external town planning consultants to assist the success of applications.

Special mobility needs

One consequence of a long-time focus on the needs of empty-nesters is that we especially understand the importance of planning for reduced mobility. Sometimes this is for a present need, more often it is a case of anticipating future requirements. Simple and inexpensive provisions made today can result in very substantial avoided costs at a later time.

Visit our Display Home at:

22 Keyes Street Ashburton Saturday and Sunday 1-5pm, or contact us to arrange a private appointment.

When it comes to downsizing your home a custom build smart home designed for you in just the right size is the way to go.

Empty nesters have been a specialised part of Fasham’s custom build housing projects for some time. There is an art to negotiating all the planning involved in creating a dual occupancy custom designed home build project, but the benefits are manifold.

An increasing number of current home owners are entering an empty nester demographic as we see the city’s population exponentially booms with young families looking for a home. There is no better time to consider downsizing a traditional suburban home in favour of a brand new dual occupancy apartment, unit or multi-storey townhouse. Smaller, smarter homes, custom designed to be just right, is the perfect solution to both of these contemporary housing issues. Though we always advise clients to seek professional advice in this regard, it really is most important to seek advice that is the right move for your particular circumstances.

An increasing number of existing home owners appear in an aging demographic, downsizing can bring new possibilities for architecturally designing the home to be perfect for people with increasing disability and special mobility requirements. At Fasham, we have been listening to and working with our clients toward their specialised needs for some time and understand very well the challenges that specialised mobility requirements entails. To design a custom home that utilises floor plan and layouts that cater to those with special mobility needs does not significantly increase costs but can save a considerable amount of time, trouble and expense in the longer term.

Downsizing: Where to start?

Fasham Homes

What do you do when the kids move out and your home is bigger than your needs ?

When it comes to downsizing your home a custom build smart home designed for you in just the right size is the way to go.