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<p data-block-key="rbluk">It’s an emotional time for everyone when mum and dad decide they’re selling the long-term family home and moving on.</p><p data-block-key="1kjh">But there’s also joy in helping your parents choose their next home; much smaller but where the grandkids can still come over and stay, and mum can still cook that tuna potato bake everybody loves. Christmas might be a bit more cramped, but a new home is an opportunity to make new memories.</p><p data-block-key="40erg">We spoke to <a href="https://zango.com.au/agencies/lj-hooker-kippax/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LJ Hooker Kippax’s</a> <a href="/agents/jeremy-julian/">Jeremy Julian</a> about what to help your parents look for in a property when downsizing.</p><h3 data-block-key="51r4s">Opt for a single-storey home.</h3><img alt="66-house-circuit-banks-act-2906-100474-image-0-20240503103142668154-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/66-house-circuit-banks-act-2906-100474-image-0.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="cpru1">“The biggest concern for people as they grow older is accessibility and mobility,” Jeremy says.</p><p data-block-key="46api">“Look for single-storey properties or those that have the essentials like a kitchen, bathroom and even a bedroom on the ground floor.</p><p data-block-key="cqvp1">“Features like ramps, wide doorways, and grab bars in bathrooms and hallways can reduce the risk of accidents.”</p><h3 data-block-key="8ebkc">Safety features to look for.</h3><img alt="1-32-smeaton-circuit-banks-act-2906-99523-image-0-20240505221636566614-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/1-32-smeaton-circuit-banks-act-2906-99523-imag.width-800_pzp7ZJx.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="ckt11">According to Jeremy, homes with non-slip flooring, well-lit pathways, easily reachable light switches should go to the top of the list.</p><p data-block-key="15nq9">“Emergency alert systems or smart home technology that can provide assistance in case of emergency can be installed as well.”</p><p data-block-key="ansih">But safety also includes emotional wellbeing, so choose a home that fosters a sense of belonging, security, and comfort.</p><p data-block-key="9mhj0">“Consider factors such as proximity to family and friends,” Jeremy says.</p><h3 data-block-key="5mrt4">Close to a town centre.</h3><img alt="shutterstock_2103694835" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/shutterstock_2103694835.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="5j627">In older age, you need easy access to a GP, a chemist and a supermarket.</p><p data-block-key="93upp">“Access to recreational activities, parks, and social opportunities can also contribute to a fulfilling lifestyle,” Jeremy says.</p><p data-block-key="81aoq">“If there’s a park nearby or another recreation facility that’s awesome.”</p><h3 data-block-key="58gks">Low maintenance indoors and out.</h3><img alt="5-8-patton-place-banks-act-2906-97879-image-0-20240319034720684376-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/5-8-patton-place-banks-act-2906-97879-image-0-.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="3bg00">Unless they’re obsessed with gardening and want to do a couple of hours of landscaping every day, you should look for a home with a very low maintenance yard or courtyard.</p><p data-block-key="ev38o">“Features like vinyl siding, composite decking, and drought-resistant plants can reduce the need for regular maintenance but they also look great,” Jeremy says.</p><h3 data-block-key="eo4n1">Finally: is the home future-proof?</h3><img alt="5-8-patton-place-banks-act-2906-97879-image-0-20240319034722804133-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/5-8-patton-place-banks-act-2906-97879-image-0-.width-800_q4f0mbf.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="4438b">Think about how the home will meet the needs of your parents over time, Jeremy says.</p><p data-block-key="b4cj">“Are any modifications or renovations necessary to accommodate changing mobility or health conditions?</p><p data-block-key="nr68">“Your real estate agent is the first person who should put their hand up to help with this, as they’ll know from experience.”</p><p data-block-key="dipv7">Flexible floor plans, adjustable countertops, and easily modifiable spaces all get massive ticks from Jeremy.</p>

Mum and dad moving out of the family home? What to look for in a downsizer

<p data-block-key="5hmx1">Rachel Anasson remembers driving on the deserted roads around what is now the suburb of Strathnairn as a teenager, with bright yellow L plates on.</p><p data-block-key="4nt8t">“Dad would point out the window, at the paddocks, and say, there will be lots and lots of homes here one day,” she says.</p><p data-block-key="286dr">“And I remember thinking, really? I just couldn’t imagine it.”</p><p data-block-key="fp0gd">A real estate agent with <a href="https://zango.com.au/agencies/marq/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MARQ Property</a>, Rachel grew up in Macgregor, and is a Belconnen girl through and through. She spent a lot of time as a child exploring the area just to the west of Macgregor; the area that would one day become Strathnairn.</p><img alt="Ginninderry_Overlooking the Brindabellas from Strathnairn" class="richtext-image full-width" height="450" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Ginninderry_Overlooking_the_Brindabellas_from_.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="bdri1">“My favourite memories are the walks we used to do, down to the Murrumbidgee River and Shepherd’s Lookout: we were definitely outdoor kids,” she says.</p><p data-block-key="4spme">“I’m a little jealous that the residents of Strathnairn have all of that on their doorstep.”</p><p data-block-key="22lbj">Rachel’s knowledge of the region in and around Strathnairn has become invaluable over the past eight weeks. She’s one of five female real estate agents volunteering their time to market the <a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/41-rachel-makinson-street-strathnairn-act-2615-76240/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Strathnairn Charity House</a>, a home built entirely from donated material and time. Proceeds from the auction of the home will benefit three Canberra-based charities.</p><p data-block-key="d41s9">Strathnairn Charity House, located at 41 Rachel Makinson Street, Strathnairn, is a joint venture of Ginninderry and the Master Builders Association.</p><p data-block-key="7pqnb">Rachel lists the following as the key benefits of life at Strathnairn:</p><h2 data-block-key="djdco">Beautiful balance.</h2><img alt="Brindabellas" class="richtext-image full-width" height="356" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Brindabellas.width-800.png" width="800"><p data-block-key="c2cs0">“It’s not a suburb, it’s a lifestyle,” she says.</p><p data-block-key="2ateu">“You’re 20 minutes from the city but just immersed in these beautiful mountain ranges, walks: it’s peaceful and quiet.</p><p data-block-key="buoge">“It successfully delivers a rural feel in a suburban area.”</p><h2 data-block-key="5v387">The northside community.</h2><img alt="Ginninderry_Walking in the Conservation Corridor" class="richtext-image full-width" height="450" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Ginninderry_Walking_in_the_Conservation_Corrid.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="d4r7a">“I know it’s north versus south in Canberra but I have to say, us northsiders have a fantastic sense of community,” Rachel says.</p><p data-block-key="cguhe">“I’m always running into school friends, our kids go to the same schools, and now I’m even selling homes for my teachers!</p><p data-block-key="2eo1h">“There’s already a strong community on the north side and residents of Strathnairn will literally be able to influence the type of community they want to be.”</p><h2 data-block-key="avsug">Commitment to sustainability.</h2><img alt="Ginninderry_View from Shepherds Lookout.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Ginninderry_View_from_Shepherds_Lookout.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="34kuo">“The long-term plan for Ginninderry is centred on sustainable living, and the huge conservation area out there will ensure native wildlife and flora thrives,” Rachel says.</p><p data-block-key="avgan">“I’d encourage people to go to the Ginninderry display village to see what the 20-30 year plan is – until you see that for yourself, you don’t understand the full commitment to sustainability.”</p><h2 data-block-key="6ugqd">Unrivalled amenity.</h2><img alt="Ginninderry_Paddys Park" class="richtext-image full-width" height="450" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Ginninderry_Paddys_Park.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="7kils">“While the suburb is being built, there are schools and facilities within established suburbs that are exceptional,” Rachel says.</p><p data-block-key="19jr">“Florey and Hawker offer great schools and access to public transport.</p><p data-block-key="3qtok">“And the amenity of Strathnairn will be unrivalled - starting with fantastic sized blocks.”</p><p data-block-key="3tps2"><i>Strathnairn Charity House is located at</i> <a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/41-rachel-makinson-street-strathnairn-act-2615-76240/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>41 Rachel Makinson Street, Strathnairn</i></a><i>, and will be auctioned for charity at 1pm on Saturday 25 March 2023.</i></p><p data-block-key="2u02m"><i>The home is open for inspection on Wednesdays and Thursdays 5.30pm-6.15pm, Saturday 3pm-3.45pm and Sunday 11.30am - 12.15pm.</i></p><p data-block-key="aghod"><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/41-rachel-makinson-street-strathnairn-act-2615-76240/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the full listing.</a></p>

Why Strathnairn is a dream location, by a girl who grew up in Belconnen

<p data-block-key="tv99n">Sometimes it&#x27;s the unassuming addresses that get us all loved up in this office. <a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/11-harper-street-macgregor-act-2615-75167/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This three bedroom home on Harper Street, Macgregor</a>, has beautiful character and is located just minutes from Kippax Fair and McGregor Primary School. Here are the five features of this property we&#x27;re loving.</p><h2 data-block-key="cbag2">A porch that belongs in the countryside.</h2><img alt="11-harper-street-macgregor-act-2615-75167-image-0-20230214050139135836-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/11-harper-street-macgregor-act-2615-75167-imag.width-800_FL4AnNH.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="vf5o">Relax with a book or a cup of tea on this grand timber porch that opens up from one of the home&#x27;s meals area. The property is in a unique elevated position overlooking the adjacent Ginninderra Creek. Set back from the road with views of abundant greenery, you&#x27;ll feel like you&#x27;re in your own country oasis.</p><h2 data-block-key="dmc56">The sunken lounge.</h2><img alt="11-harper-street-macgregor-act-2615-75167-image-0-20230214050140865734-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/11-harper-street-macgregor-act-2615-75167-imag.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="49phm">Living areas you step down into are a total fave in the Zango office. This sunken lounge room features exposed timber beams and large floor-to-ceilings windows that open up the room and provide stunning views of the flourishing gardens outside. Pendant lighting overhead softens the room as it flows seamlessly into the dining and kitchen areas. </p><h2 data-block-key="d9djh">A secret garden.</h2><img alt="11-harper-street-macgregor-act-2615-75167-image-0-20230214050143491919-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/11-harper-street-macgregor-act-2615-75167-imag.width-800_64szzwe.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="6d112">The perfect mix of manicured and native, these established gardens provide beautiful views from every window of the house. The mature trees provide the ultimate screening for privacy and give the feeling of being in a hidden sanctuary. </p><h2 data-block-key="9hffu">A mini meals area designed for breakfast pancakes.</h2><img alt="11-harper-street-macgregor-act-2615-75167-image-0-20230214050140584160-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/11-harper-street-macgregor-act-2615-75167-imag.width-800_TmFtPdc.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="7e66e">This home offers multiple dining options, but we love this intimate family space next to the kitchen for early morning pancakes or an after-school snack. This space also opens up onto the stunning porch, gorgeous for warm spring and summer days.</p><h2 data-block-key="53vpn">A bathroom with quiltwork tiles.</h2><img alt="11-harper-street-macgregor-act-2615-75167-image-0-20230214050143197928-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/11-harper-street-macgregor-act-2615-75167-imag.width-800_hE5Bfcb.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="ccjg0">The main bathroom of the home has been given a contemporary lift, while still maintaining all of its charm. A spacious walk-in shower is ideal for ease of access and there&#x27;s a bath for the kids to enjoy having a splash. The blue mosaic tiles look like quiltwork and make the whole room pop. Also, how gorgeous is the statement mirror?</p><p data-block-key="f3ab2"><b>Number 11 Harper Street, Macgregor, is for sale by negotiation.</b></p><p data-block-key="5opft"><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/11-harper-street-macgregor-act-2615-75167/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the full listing.</a></p>

5 things we can't stop harping on about in this Harper Street home

<p data-block-key="vbwr2">Welcome to four listings that have completely blown us away this week - former government houses that have been completely transformed.</p><h3 data-block-key="civde"><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/9-foley-place-holt-act-2615-58187/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">9 Foley Place, Holt</a></h3><img alt="9-foley-place-holt-act-2615-58187-image-0-20220518054706546626-thumbnail-1920x1920-70.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/9-foley-place-holt-act-2615-58187-image-0-2022.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="1ucu9">It’s got the typical ‘Pizza Hut’ roof of government housing in the 1970s but apart from that, there is very little left to remind you of this home’s former life.</p><img alt="9-foley-place-holt-act-2615-58187-image-0-20220518054707217148-thumbnail-1920x1920-70.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/9-foley-place-holt-act-2615-58187-image-0-2022.width-800_PcmispI.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="9bg5f">Extended from three bedrooms into four and with the addition of a laundry, expanded bathroom and an ensuite, this home is proof that small homes in stunning locations can be the best blank canvases.</p><img alt="9-foley-place-holt-act-2615-58187-image-0-20220518054708674240-thumbnail-1920x1920-70.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/9-foley-place-holt-act-2615-58187-image-0-2022.width-800_J87ltVE.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="b2gr">We’re especially in love with the galley-style kitchen, the bathroom sinks and the mirrored robes.</p><p data-block-key="ecd6c">9 Foley Place will be auctioned digitally on Wednesday 8 June 2022 at 6pm.</p><p data-block-key="4f16o"><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/9-foley-place-holt-act-2615-58187/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the full listing</a>.</p><h3 data-block-key="1m12t"><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/7-boronia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57807/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">7 Boronia Crescent, Queanbeyan</a></h3><img alt="7-boronia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57807-image-0-20220515234814998664-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/7-boronia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57807-imag.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="fnrde">There’s a massive trend in the Queanbeyan area of Karabar of first home buyers buying ex-government houses and renovating them into modern, beautiful homes.</p><img alt="7-boronia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57807-image-0-20220515234813732232-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/7-boronia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57807-imag.width-800_rseoi2k.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="at2e9">This three-bedroom gem, close to Karabar High School, comes (literally) with a white picket fence and a low maintenance garden featuring a beautiful big backyard, common for the blocks of yesteryear.</p><img alt="7-boronia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57807-image-0-20220515234814398827-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/7-boronia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57807-imag.width-800_rJAeQra.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="63ecv">We love the sage-coloured kitchen, the outdoor area out the back just <i>waiting</i> for a footy grand final and the chandelier in the hallway.</p><p data-block-key="e38hb">7 Boronia Crescent, Queanbeyan, will be auctioned at 6pm on the 1st June.</p><p data-block-key="8nmi0"><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/7-boronia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57807/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the full listing</a>.</p><h3 data-block-key="5te9q"><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/4-wilari-place-giralang-act-2617-57029/?fbclid=IwAR3msvjK9ybWvAx8zE2ygs0HmD_0Y4BuB7sgvwRXRafE-qL4hD6Nvv1M-_U" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">4 Wilari Place, Giralang</a></h3><img alt="4-wilari-place-giralang-act-2617-57029-image-0-20220510230141724005-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/4-wilari-place-giralang-act-2617-57029-image-0.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="3su0b">This could be the ex-govvie makeover to end all ex-govvie makeovers. From the hidden laundry and the charming fire pit out back to details like the kitchen splashback and <i>that bathtub</i>, there are way too many things to add to the list of ‘What we love’.</p><img alt="4-wilari-place-giralang-act-2617-57029-image-0-20220510230136488267-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/4-wilari-place-giralang-act-2617-57029-image-0.width-800_gYDfpqE.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="7ju1p">According to sales agent Sally Strang, the house was built in the 1970s in a boom of government housing in the suburb.</p><img alt="4-wilari-place-giralang-act-2617-57029-image-0-20220510230138502716-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/4-wilari-place-giralang-act-2617-57029-image-0.width-800_BJznptO.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="4rcs1">An extension to the side of the home has added a bedroom, complete with its own mini deck. It&#x27;s the stuff the original owners could only have dreamed about.</p><p data-block-key="eep16"><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/4-wilari-place-giralang-act-2617-57029/?fbclid=IwAR3msvjK9ybWvAx8zE2ygs0HmD_0Y4BuB7sgvwRXRafE-qL4hD6Nvv1M-_U" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">4 Wilari Place, Giralang</a>, was sold by home.by holly last weekend for $1.04 million.</p><h3 data-block-key="eshk5"><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/10-cassia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57324/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10 Cassia Crescent, Queanbeyan</a></h3><img alt="10-cassia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57324-image-0-20220517231635408995-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/10-cassia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57324-imag.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="9nul8">Okay, so this one - also located in Queanbeyan’s Karabar region - is more of a blend of the old <i>and</i> the new. The bathroom wall tiles are very retro but in a colour and style that’s certainly made its way back in.</p><img alt="10-cassia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57324-image-0-20220517231635785096-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/10-cassia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57324-imag.width-800_cWoJKEV.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="8j18u">The lounge room is sizeable and still features the original wooden door and window frames - definitely features of the 1970s that add character and are also back en vogue.</p><img alt="10-cassia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57324-image-0-20220517231636621755-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/10-cassia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57324-imag.width-800_Sb4EoWk.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="749s5">We love the original Hills Hoist in the backyard (!) and the Florida-style feature pillars on the front verandah.</p><p data-block-key="bs3s6">10 Cassia Crescent, Queanbeyan, is for sale between $639,000 and $679,000.</p><p data-block-key="c6beb"><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/10-cassia-crescent-karabar-nsw-2620-57324/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the full listing</a>.</p>

4 news articles with tag lj-hooker-kippax

Mum and dad moving out of the family home? What to look for in a downsizer

Why Strathnairn is a dream location, by a girl who grew up in Belconnen

5 things we can't stop harping on about in this Harper Street home

The most stunning ex-govvie transformations on the market right now