- Downsizing frees up capital and lowers running costs.
- The order matters most: a realistic valuation, choosing the new home, synchronised dates.
- Large apartments and premium houses take longer to sell, so it is worth starting early.
The children have moved out, the stairs are getting tiring and half the rooms stand empty. Swapping a large apartment or house for a smaller one is one of the most common decisions of my clients over fifty. Well planned, it brings comfort, lower bills and capital for things there was never time for before.
What you gain
- Capital. The difference between the sale and purchase price stays with you: for retirement, helping your children or travel.
- Lower costs. Lower service charges, heating, cleaning and repairs.
- Comfort. A lift, a garage in the building, shops and a doctor within walking distance.
How to do it step by step
- A realistic valuation. Large apartments and premium houses sell more slowly, and the gap between asking and transaction prices can be larger. It is worth knowing the realistic price before you choose your new home.
- A list of needs. How many rooms you really need, whether there should be a lift, a balcony, room for grandchildren, close to family or in the centre.
- Sorting your belongings. Moving to a smaller home is a good moment to decide what you take, what you give to family and what you sell. Fewer things also help the sale, because the apartment looks better in photos.
- Synchronised dates. A sale agreement with a later handover lets you move once, straight to the new place. More in the guide to changing homes.
Tax
If you have lived in your apartment for years, the sale is usually tax-free, because 5 years have passed since the end of the year of purchase. For an apartment bought recently or inherited, check the result in the tax calculator. Buying a new home with the sale proceeds may qualify for the housing relief.
How I help
I run the sale from valuation to the notarial deed, and at the same time look for a smaller home, including off-portal listings. I also help with practical matters: preparing the apartment, communicating with the family and organising the move. You can see how much you will keep in the net proceeds calculator.
Legal status: October 2026. This is a practical guide, not tax or legal advice.
Premium real estate agent in Wrocław. She sells apartments and houses, handles off-market transactions and works with clients from abroad. More about me
