The children have moved out to start families of their own, the garden is growing wild and costing a fortune to maintain, and you’re spending more time cleaning the pool than swimming in it.

A new home better suited to a more relaxed lifestyle could be the answer.

“The reason most people downsize is they find their house too big in terms of upkeep,” says Melbourne buyers advocate David Morrell of Morrell and Koren. “Or they’re trying to take a bit of capital out.”

Apartments can offer low-maintenance living without sacrificing on quality, but not all are created equal.

Buyers accustomed to a large, freestanding house need to be picky when looking for an apartment that will suit their changing needs for years to come.