There comes a point for many of us when the family home starts to feel a bit too big. The children have long since moved out, the garden takes more energy than it gives back, and the stairs have become more of a daily obstacle than they used to be. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Across Ireland, thousands of people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond are weighing up whether it’s time to move to a smaller, more manageable home.
In Ireland, this conversation has taken on a new dimension. Local councils now actively support what they call “rightsizing” — finding a home that’s right for you now and into the future. It’s a welcome shift from the pressure-laden language of “downsizing”, which can feel like you’re giving something up rather than gaining something better.
TL;DR
- Downsizing (or “rightsizing”) means finding a home that suits your current and future needs — not settling for less.
- Irish local councils, including South Dublin County Council, offer rightsizing schemes to help older adults move to more suitable housing.
- Financial benefits include reduced maintenance costs, lower utility bills, and potentially freeing up equity for retirement.
- The emotional side matters just as much as the practical — decluttering a lifetime of memories takes time and patience.
- Start planning 12-18 months ahead, involve family, and explore all your options before making a decision.
Why People Consider Moving
The reasons for considering a move are as varied as the people making them. For some, it’s purely practical. A three-storey Victorian terrace is lovely until your knees aren’t. For others, it’s financial — heating a four-bedroom house when you’re only using two rooms doesn’t make much sense, particularly with energy costs where they are.
Common reasons include:
- Accessibility: Stairs, awkward layouts, or bathrooms on different floors become harder to manage with age or mobility changes.
- Maintenance: Large gardens, ageing plumbing, roof repairs — the upkeep of a bigger property can become physically and financially draining.
- Location: Being closer to family, healthcare facilities, public transport, or simply a more walkable neighbourhood.
- Financial freedom: Selling a larger property can release equity to supplement your pension or fund the retirement you’ve been looking forward to.
- Safety: A more compact, single-level home reduces fall risks — one of the leading causes of injury for older adults in Ireland.
What “Rightsizing” Looks Like in Ireland
Several Irish local authorities have introduced rightsizing programmes specifically designed to help older adults transition to more suitable housing. South Dublin County Council, for instance, runs a dedicated Age Friendly Housing and Rightsizing programme under their Housing Delivery Action Plan 2022-2026. The idea is simple: help people move to a home that works better for them, while also freeing up larger homes for families who need them.
These programmes typically offer:
- Guidance on available housing options in your area
- Support navigating the application and moving process
- Access to purpose-built, age-friendly housing with features like level access, wider doorways, and emergency call systems
- Connection to community supports in your new area
It’s worth contacting your local authority’s housing department to ask what schemes are available in your area. Availability varies by county, but the trend towards age-friendly housing is growing across the country.
The Financial Picture
From a purely financial standpoint, moving to a smaller home can make a significant difference to your day-to-day costs. Smaller homes typically mean lower property tax, reduced insurance premiums, smaller heating bills, and less money spent on maintenance and repairs.
If you own your home outright — as many people in their 60s and 70s do — selling and buying somewhere smaller can free up a substantial sum. This can be used to top up your pension, fund home modifications in your new place, or simply provide a financial cushion for the years ahead.
However, it’s important to get proper financial advice before making any decisions. Consider:
- Capital Gains Tax: Your principal private residence is generally exempt from CGT, but get specific advice for your situation.
- Stamp duty: You’ll pay stamp duty on the new property (currently 1% on properties up to €1 million).
- Legal and moving costs: Solicitor fees, estate agent fees, and the physical cost of moving can add up.
- Impact on means-tested supports: If you’re receiving any means-tested payments, a large sum from a house sale could affect your eligibility. Talk to your local Citizens Information Centre.
The Emotional Side
Let’s be honest — this is often the hardest part. Your home isn’t just bricks and mortar. It’s where the children grew up, where Sunday dinners happened, where decades of memories live. The thought of leaving can feel like losing a part of yourself.
This is completely normal, and it’s important to give yourself permission to feel it. Rushing the process rarely ends well. Here are some things that can help:
Start with a conversation, not a decision. Talk to your partner, your children, close friends. Airing the idea without committing to it can help you process how you feel.
Visit potential areas. Spend time in neighbourhoods you’re considering. Walk the streets, check the local shops, see how it feels. A place that looks good on paper needs to feel right in person.
Declutter gradually. Don’t try to sort through 30 years of belongings in a weekend. Start with one room. Keep what matters, photograph items you want to remember but don’t need to keep, and be kind to yourself about the things that are hard to let go.
Keep what makes it home. Your favourite armchair, the kitchen table where everything happened, the photos on the wall — bring the things that make a place yours. A smaller home can still feel like home.
Practical Steps: A Timeline
If you’re seriously considering a move, starting to plan 12 to 18 months ahead gives you breathing room. Here’s a rough guide:
12-18 months out: Research your options. Talk to your local authority about rightsizing schemes. Get a sense of property values — both for selling your current home and buying or renting somewhere new. Speak to a financial adviser.
6-12 months out: Begin decluttering in earnest. Get your home valued. Start viewing properties or registering interest in housing schemes. Engage a solicitor.
3-6 months out: Put your home on the market (if selling). Finalise your new home. Start planning the logistics of the move itself — removals, redirecting post, updating your address with the Revenue, your bank, your GP.
The final weeks: Confirm moving arrangements. Set up utilities in your new home. Let neighbours know — both old and new. And take a moment to say goodbye to the place that’s been yours.
Alternatives to Moving
Downsizing isn’t right for everyone, and it’s worth knowing your alternatives:
- Home modifications: The HSE’s Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, can fund modifications like stairlifts, walk-in showers, or ground-floor bedroom conversions. Your local authority manages these.
- Renting a room: The Rent a Room relief scheme lets you earn up to €14,000 per year tax-free by renting a room in your home. This can offset costs while providing company.
- Home sharing: Organisations like ALONE have explored home-sharing models where an older adult shares their home with someone who provides light support in exchange for affordable accommodation.
Making the Decision
There’s no universal right answer here. Some people move and wonder why they didn’t do it sooner — the freedom of a manageable home, lower costs, and a fresh start can be genuinely liberating. Others find that staying put, with the right modifications, is what works best.
What matters is that you make the decision on your own terms, with good information and the right support around you. Take your time, explore your options, and trust yourself to know what’s right.
At Críonna Health, we believe that every stage of life deserves thoughtful planning and genuine support. Whether you’re just starting to think about your options or you’re ready to make a move, the most important thing is that you feel informed and empowered to choose what’s best for you.
