Local Buyers on the Move

How Upsizers and Downsizers Are Driving the Market

While headlines often focus on first-home buyers and investors, a large portion of activity in our local market right now is coming from buyers who already live in the area. Across Ryde, Gladesville, Hunters Hill and Canada Bay, two key groups are shaping buyer behaviour this spring: upsizers and downsizers.

Upsizers: Seeking Space Without Leaving the Area

Families who purchased their first homes locally a few years ago are now looking for that next step—more bedrooms, a second living space, or a larger backyard. Instead of relocating to outer suburbs, many are choosing to stay close to the schools, parks and community they already love.

These buyers are:

• Prepared to compete for quality homes with good flow and modern finishes.

• Valuing lifestyle upgrades, such as renovated kitchens, alfresco areas and family-friendly layouts.

• Favouring turnkey homes over major renovation projects due to time and cost pressures.

For sellers of larger family homes, this is a strong opportunity—especially when presentation aligns with current buyer expectations.

Downsizers: Trading Maintenance for Lifestyle

At the same time, long-term locals—often empty nesters—are choosing to downsize from larger houses in Hunters Hill and Canada Bay in favour of low-maintenance living. However, it’s not a downward move so much as a lifestyle upgrade.

These buyers are looking for:

• Single-level living or lift access with minimal stairs.

• Quality over size, preferring renovated apartments, villas or boutique townhomes.

• Walkability and amenity, with proximity to cafés, waterfront walks and village shops high on the wishlist.

With many downsizers being cashed-up, they’re competing strongly for well-appointed, low-maintenance homes—particularly in Gladesville and Ryde, where modern townhomes and apartments offer convenience without compromising lifestyle.

Why This Matters for Local Sellers

What we’re seeing is a healthy internal market cycle—downsizers freeing up houses and upsizers eagerly stepping in. When marketed correctly, a property can appeal strongly to one of these two motivated buyer groups.

For sellers, understanding which buyer demographic your home speaks to is key. Tailoring presentation, marketing messaging and even open home styling to that audience can significantly impact results.

If you’re curious where your property sits in today’s market cycle—downsizer appeal or upsizer opportunity—our team is here to help position it for maximum impact this spring.