Well-known for being the home of Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the Sutherland Shire is also emerging as a Sydney downsizing hotspot.
The Sutherland Shire’s existing housing stock and demographics are creating fertile conditions for the creation of new downsizer-friendly projects.
The Shire is known for its low density suburbs and larger family homes, with the 2016 Census showing that 62 per cent of its dwelling stock is made up of detached homes, compared to 55 per cent for the greater Sydney region.
It also has a higher proportion of people aged over 50, compared to the rest of Sydney. Across the Shire, nearly 80,000 people are aged over 50.
Developers are now increasingly delivering a range of local options to cater for empty nesters who are keen to move out of these redundant larger family homes and into maintenance-free and lifestyle-rich new housing projects.
These projects, including retirement villages and general downsizer-friendly apartments and townhouses, are typically located alongside the Shire's picturesque waterways or in one of its urban centres (such as Miranda, Kirrawee, Sutherland, Cronulla or Caringbah).
The good news is that Downsizing.com.au is currently listing a number of new housing projects which cater for the growing number of Shire downsizers - these are listed below:
South Village at Kirrawee (Deicorp)
Located just a 3-minute walk from Kirrawee station, Deicorp’s South Village project is attracting plenty of interest from empty-nesters.
As Peter Neale, Deicorp’s Head of Sales and Marketing, explains: “We have a large number of downsizers within our South Village development due to the project’s position, amenity, the public park and the proximity of the train station as well as the Mirvac Shopping Centre below.”
“Sutherland Shire residents enjoy the coastal lifestyle, and many are looking to downsize within the area, which has all their required amenity as well as being safe and secure.”
Single bedroom apartments are priced from $565,000, while two and three-bedroom homes are available from $750,000 and $955,000 respectively. The development also features one-bedroom plus study apartments.
Residents can take advantage of a gym, health centre, medical centre, and hair salon plus residents-only private podiums including yoga lawns, community gardens, large TV for functions and events, outdoor kitchens and lounges, and seating areas.
A shopping centre located below the building includes Coles and Aldi plus 35 specialty stores and restaurants and a 9,000 square metre public park.
Check out interviews with downsizers who’ve moved into the project at the Deicorp YouTube channel.
Woolooware Shores (Anglicare Sydney)
Situated on Woolooware Bay at Taren Point, Woolooware Shores offers premium living in a vibrant, friendly community.
Woolooware Shores is a popular choice for downsizers owing to the varied facilities and onsite services, which includes ‘The Lagoon’ – a wellness centre featuring a 12 metre indoor heated pool and spa, as well as a gym, doctors’ rooms, beauty therapist, health kiosk, nursing clinic, physiotherapist, podiatrist and hairdresser.
In addition, residents at Woolooware Shores can take advantage of the range of wellness programs offered by Anglicare Health to stay healthy and fit.
The village community is being expanded, with a range of new apartments due for release in mid-2020. Prices are not yet available, however, the luxurious 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments will offer open-plan layouts and generous alfresco areas, some offering limited water views.
Amour and Scape (Plank Developments)
Plank Developments, the Shire’s boutique apartment specialist, has two developments available for downsizers.
Amour Apartments at Hinkler Avenue, Caringbah comprises 20 homes with the ground floor occupied by medical suites. Single bedroom apartments are priced from $585,000; 2-bedroom apartments start in price at $725,000; or enjoy the comfort of a 3-bedroom home from $980,000.
Andrew Gliatis, director of Plank Developments, says: “Most people who have purchased are local to the area. However, given the proximity of Amour Caringbah apartments to Sutherland Hospital, the development appeals to local and non-local investors, as well as owner occupiers, particularly those who are within an older age bracket. The ground floor is dedicated to medical suites, so health facilities are located directly downstairs.”
Plank’s luxury Cronulla development – Scape, comprises 12 homes, however, just one brand new 3-bedroom luxury apartment remains available. Priced between $2.6-2.8 million, the executive home offers breathtaking views over Shelly Park and Beach, coupled with beautifully crafted interiors and expansive living and dining areas that capture natural light throughout. The generous balcony features a built-in BBQ plus private plunge spa.
Horizon Apartments at Cronulla
Located just 300m from Cronulla Golf Club, Horizon Apartments at 37 Girrilang Road, Cronulla, has been designed with downsizers in mind. The homes offer secure access, level transitions into showers and onto balconies, plus landscaped gardens with community picnic table and BBQ facilities.
As a spokesperson for Horizon Apartments notes, Cronulla is experiencing rising demand among downsizers, and Horizon ticks all the boxes for lifestyle. North Cronulla and Wanda beaches are nearby, along with waterfront eateries including Summer Salt Restaurant and Bianchini's Espresso. Additional shops and cafes plus cinemas are less than one kilometre away along with all the facilities of Cronulla Mall.
The Horizon Apartments have been designed to capture natural light, and feature a combination of adjustable screens and louvres to ensure cross-flow ventilation. Common areas harvest natural rainwater and solar power.
Two bedroom apartments at Horizon are priced from $1.195 million, 3-bedroom homes are available from $1.495 million, and penthouses are priced at $2.210 million. Selected adaptable units are also available.
