Downsizing is no longer a decision reserved for retirees – a growing number of homeowners in their 50s and 60s are choosing to move on their own terms, driven by lifestyle and financial sense rather than necessity. Recent data shows nearly a quarter of homeowners expect to downsize within the next decade, while many over-50s have already relocated in search of lower maintenance, easier living and more freedom.

That was the thinking of retired financial analyst Graeme Eadie, 65, who was cycling through Dean Village when he first saw Village View, next to the Dean bridge and with beautiful views across the water. He stopped to have a look around the development, where AMA Homes is creating 45 light-filled, contemporary apartments, and knew straight away that this was where he wanted to live.

“I immediately loved the style and modern living spaces. It was so different to my Georgian townhouse but I knew it was perfect for me and my next stage of life. I made the decision right there that I needed to downsize now, and agreed to buy it there and then,” he said.

A widower for four years, and with two grown-up daughters living in London and Bristol, Graeme is delighted that he made the decision to prioritise what he really wanted from the next chapter of his life. He put his beautiful Edinburgh Georgian home on the market and moved into Village View soon after.

“It’s hard moving out of a family home, where you have 27 years of happy family memories. But with my wife having passed on and my daughters living in London and Bristol – it was time for me to make a move for my own future. I’m sure my daughters would have preferred me to stay in their childhood home but I knew this was something I needed to do for me.”

He hasn’t regretted the decision for a moment. “I used to have three big rooms where I now have one lovely, bright, open and spacious room where I spend most of my time – and it has amazing views across the West End. My friends all live in Edinburgh and the apartment is perfect for when they come over for dinner and drinks. It’s an absolute joy to live here and I have such a better quality of living.”

His daughters are also content to see him enjoying his new life. “This has become dad’s flat and they can come and stay whenever they like,” Graeme adds.
“I loved the fact that when I moved into my beautiful new apartment it was a blank canvas. Apart from a couple of sentimental pieces, I bought brand new furniture, and this became my new chapter and I’m enjoying having some fun. My apartment is beautiful. I have underfloor heating so it’s warmer and more comfortable. And as I’m in the West End it’s just minutes from everywhere and so easy to get around the City.”

“From a practical point of view, moving home after 27 years was actually exhausting and I hadn’t realised quite how much stuff we had accumulated. I can’t imagine having left this any later to do. I would encourage anyone in my position to do it sooner rather than later – it’s very liberating and removes a massive burden. I don’t have to worry about my older house falling apart around me and can just focus on living my best life. I’m happier than I could have ever imagined I would be!”
Village View features 45 contemporary apartments across three blocks – one of which, Douglas House, is a sensitive conversion of one of the area’s landmark buildings. With spacious, open-plan living areas and a high specification throughout, the luxury development is quickly becoming popular with Edinburgh downsizers looking to make a positive lifestyle choice.

Behnam Afshar, Director at AMA Homes, is convinced that downsizing at a younger age can open up a wealth of opportunities. “Empty nesters sometimes feel they have to hold on to their family home just in case the children return for Christmas. However, this is a great time for younger downsizers to make the most of regaining their life and their freedom without the burden of a big home that requires constant maintenance.

“At Village View we have a growing community of younger downsizers who have worked hard and are now prioritising their own wellbeing by looking to the future rather than clinging on to the past – and can now focus on having more fun!”

Apartments currently available at Village View start from £699,000 for a two-bedroom property. For further information or to arrange a viewing, please contact Behnam Afshar on 07967 322025 (behnama@amanewtown.co.uk).