Why Downsizers Are Choosing a New Glenside Apartment in Adelaide

There comes a point in every homeowner's life when a large family home simply stops making sense, and more Adelaide downsizers are finding their next chapter at Glenside, where elegant new apartments offer the space, freedom, and lifestyle they're looking for.

The kids are gone. The house feels quiet. The spare bedrooms are rarely used. The garden that once brought joy now just means hours of upkeep.

Whether it’s cleaning gutters, fixing fences or maintaining unused living space, many Adelaide homeowners over 50 are starting to ask the same question: Is it still worth it?

At Glenside, downsizers are finding a refreshing alternative.
No more weekends filled with maintenance. No more paying to heat and insure empty rooms. Just a brand-new home in a vibrant, leafy neighbourhood designed for the life you want now, not the one you lived 20 years ago.

Is maintaining a large home still worth it?

When the kids were home, all that space made sense. But now?

According to research from REA Group and GemLife, more than 85% of Australians aged 55 and over live in homes with two or more spare bedrooms.

That's a whole lot of square meterage being heated, cooled, insured and maintained for very little return!

On top of rising living costs, large homes often come with major maintenance expenses. The hot water system breaks. The roof needs repairs. The landscaping takes more time than it’s worth.

The financial side is only part of it, though.

The bigger issue is time. Weekends that used to be spent with family or on hobbies are now being spent on property upkeep.

You're didn’t retire to mow lawns and clean gutters, right?

That’s why more downsizers are choosing low-maintenance living, and why communities like Glenside are designed specifically to make that transition easy.

What's happening in Adelaide's property market right now?

Adelaide’s apartment market is evolving rapidly, and not just in the CBD. In premium lifestyle suburbs like Glenside, the demand for space-efficient, low-maintenance living is surging. In fact, unit prices in Glenside have risen over 53% in the past 12 months, highlighting strong buyer interest in locations that combine quality, design, and everyday convenience.

But the more interesting change is in what's being built where… and who's buying it.

Empty nesters are now one of the main groups selling up, and the apartment projects coming to market are being designed with them in mind, tailored to those ready to leave behind high-maintenance living, without sacrificing space, amenity or location.

At Glenside, that vision is already a reality. Thoughtfully designed apartments are nestled among heritage buildings, mature trees, and park-side surrounds. With cafes, shopping, healthcare, and walking trails all close by, residents don’t have to wait years for infrastructure to catch up, it’s all here now. For downsizers, it’s the ideal mix of modern convenience and established charm.

And the financial benefits? They’re significant. As of January 2026, the median unit price in Glenside is $856,417, compared to $1.25 million for houses. That price gap gives downsizers the freedom to sell the family home, purchase a beautifully finished apartment, and unlock substantial equity, whether to boost retirement savings, travel more, or simply enjoy life with less financial pressure.

Why new apartments are the perfect downsizer solution

There are a number of very practical reasons why popularity for new units and apartments is skyrocketing. Here are just a few:

Fewer maintenance issues

Forget weekend chores. At Glenside, building maintenance, gardens, and common areas are all professionally managed.
You won’t be calling tradies for quotes, replacing fences, or mowing lawns. The body corporate takes care of the details, so you don’t have to.

Everything's within easy reach

As you get older, having your GP, chemist, supermarket - and a really good coffee shop - within easy reach becomes more important, which is why Glenside is such a smart choice for downsizers. Everything you need is just moments away, Frewville Foodland, Burnside Village, the cafés and eateries along Glen Osmond Road, and a wide range of nearby medical services.

And the stats support this shift in priorities, with around 47% of downsizers prioritising proximity to medical and health services, compared with just 27% of all buyers. Glenside delivers on that need, offering the rare combination of convenience, walkability, and a welcoming community, all in one beautifully designed, low-maintenance address.

Layouts designed for how you'll use the space

Glenside apartments are designed with downsizers in mind:
- Open-plan living with natural light
- Spacious balconies or terraces
- Secure basement parking
- Lift access and functional storage 

Forget unused formal dining rooms or closed-off layouts. These apartments are designed for how you actually live now.

Lower running costs

Modern apartments at Glenside are thoughtfully designed for energy efficiency, with features like double-glazed windows, LED lighting, and energy-efficient appliances that help keep your utility bills in check. For downsizers, those savings can make a real difference over time.

You’ll also sidestep the surprise expenses that come with older homes, like leaking roofs or ageing hot water systems. In fact, according to REA Group's research, 55% of downsizers consider eco-friendly features like solar and water-saving systems to be highly desirable, making Glenside’s modern approach not only convenient, but smart.

Lock up and leave minus the stress

One of the most underrated benefits of Glenside apartment living is being able to walk out the door without worrying about break-ins, or arranging someone to water the garden.

Secure entry, dedicated parking and a well-managed complex mean you can take that three-week trip overseas or head to the east coast for winter without an empty house weighing on your mind.

What are the biggest concerns about apartment living?

A few common worries tend to surface when downsizers start thinking about apartments. Most are based on fear of change rather than the reality of what apartment living offers.

"The hassle of moving feels overwhelming"

Yes, moving after decades can feel daunting, but most people find once they start, it’s easier than expected. And there are professionals who can help with decluttering, downsizing and settling into your new space.

"I'm emotionally attached to this house"

Emotional ties to the family home are one of the biggest barriers. It’s understandable - you raised your kids here. You've got decades of memories within these walls.

But staying in a house that no longer suits your needs won't save those memories. The memories will always come with you… it’s just the maintenance that stays behind.

"Nothing I've seen really suits my needs"

Many downsizers haven't found a smaller home that fits, but this often comes down to rethinking what you actually need versus what you're simply just used to.

So flip the narrative. A downsized home can mean upsized benefits.

Four bedrooms and a huge backyard? Unnecessary. Weekends spent strolling the beach instead of cleaning the gutters? Yes please.

"I'll lose my community"

It’s natural to feel hesitant about leaving a familiar suburb, but Glenside offers a seamless transition. It’s a connected, walkable neighbourhood with a warm, welcoming community. Many downsizers find they quickly build new social circles through shared amenity spaces and simply being in a building where people are at similar life stages.

"I'm worried about losing space"

The fear of giving up space holds people back, but it’s not about having more space, it’s about having the right space.

A well-designed Glenside apartment with generous living areas and proper storage is far more functional than a four-bedroom house where three rooms sit empty.

Sp, is downsizing to a Glenside apartment right for you?

There's good reason downsizers and over-55’s are increasingly choosing to move into a Glenside apartment rather than staying in the family home.

You’ll trade stress for simplicity. Maintenance for freedom. Empty rooms for usable space.
Glenside offers a rare combination of elegant design, park-side living and everyday convenience—just 2km from the CBD.

And you know what? Most people who make the move wish they'd done it sooner!

Ready to explore life at Glenside?

Check out our Apartment for Sale page.

Visit our Sales & Information Centre to see available apartments, view floorplans, and speak with our friendly team. 
📍 220 Fullarton Road (Cnr Mulberry Road), Glenside