Independent Downsizing Advice in Brisbane
Downsizing is one of life's biggest decisions. You deserve the right support.
Most people spend months, sometimes years, thinking about downsizing before they take a single step. That's completely understandable. Leaving a long-held family home is emotional, complex, and full of questions that are hard to answer alone.
At Hazel & Fred, I provide independent, personalised guidance to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. I’m not selling you a property. I’m not tied to any real estate agency, retirement village or land lease community. I’m simply in your corner, helping you make the right decision for your situation, your lifestyle, and your future.
I am a Registered Property Valuer, Licensed Buyer's Agent and Town Planner with 25+ years of experience in the Brisbane and South East Queensland property market and have also guided my own family through these decisions, which is what prompted Hazel & Fred in the first place.
Who I help
Planning Ahead
You're in good health and want to make a considered, unhurried decision about your next chapter. You'd like independent guidance before you commit to anything.
Supporting a Parent
You're an adult child helping Mum or Dad weigh up their options. You want someone trustworthy to guide the process and take the pressure off your family.
Facing a Sudden Change
A health event or life change has created urgency. You need clear, calm guidance and someone who can help you move quickly without making a rushed decision.
What we do together
Downsizing advice isn't just about finding a smaller home. It's about your full picture: what you want, what you need, what the market actually offers in Brisbane right now, and what the right next step looks like for you.
I help you with:
Clarifying what the right move looks like for your lifestyle and budget
Searching and shortlisting suitable homes across Brisbane
Attending inspections and reviewing properties with you
Understanding the true value and long-term suitability of each option
Managing the sale of your current home through vendor advocacy
Connecting you with trusted legal, financial, and relocation professionals when needed
Every engagement starts with a conversation. No pressure, no obligation, just a clear conversation about where you are and what you need. Read my guide: Downsizing Advice in Brisbane – Where to Start
My services are fee-based and clearly quoted upfront. No commissions, no hidden costs.
Why independent advice matters
Most people looking at downsizing encounter advice from real estate agents, retirement village sales staff, or online comparison sites, all of whom have a financial interest in the outcome.
Hazel & Fred is different. I charge a transparent fixed fee. I receive no commissions from property sales, retirement villages, or any service provider I refer you to. My only interest is helping you make the right decision.
That independence is rare in this space.
Local knowledge that makes a difference
Brisbane's property market and retirement living landscape change constantly. From inner-city apartments to land lease communities in the outer suburbs, the options are varied and the right choice depends on your circumstances, your preferred location, and your long-term needs.
I work across Brisbane. To keep my local knowledge current, I maintain the Lighthouse List, a proprietary database of Brisbane retirement and land lease communities built from direct provider contact and refreshed monthly.
The result is advice grounded in real, current, local information. Not generic guidance from a national call centre.
Retirement Villages and Land Lease communities work differently than a conventional home and they deserve their own explanation.
Or call me on (07) 3366 1116
FAQs
What does a downsizing adviser do?
1
I help you work out what the right next home looks like, compare the realistic options across Brisbane and manage the practical steps: searching and shortlisting, attending inspections, understanding value and long-term suitability, then coordinating the sale of your current home if that is part of the picture. You make every decision; my job is structure, research and a calm second pair of eyes.
How much does downsizing advice cost?
2
I work fee-for-service, with a fixed fee quoted and agreed in writing before any work begins. I take no commissions from agents, villages or anyone I refer you to, so the advice is shaped only by your situation. The right starting point is a free 30-minute conversation, where I can explain what your engagement would involve and what it would cost.
When should I start thinking about downsizing?
3
Earlier than feels necessary is usually right. The families who find the process calmest are the ones who start exploring while the move is still a choice rather than a necessity. Starting early means decisions can be made at your pace, options stay open and nothing has to happen quickly. There is no commitment in starting the conversation.
Do you help with selling the family home?
4
Yes. Through vendor advocacy I help you choose the right selling agent, negotiate the commission, review the marketing and stay across the campaign from appraisal to settlement. It is paid from the selling agent's commission, so there is no additional cost to you. The sale is planned alongside the move rather than as a separate scramble.
What if a retirement village is not right for me?
5
Then I help you find what is. A smaller house, a townhouse, an apartment, retirement village or a land lease community can all be the right answer, depending on what you need. With 25+ years of property and valuation experience in Brisbane, helping you find and assess the right next home is exactly the work I do.
“We weren’t quite sure where to begin and it all felt a little unfamiliar. Sam at Hazel & Fred helped us find a great retirement community and introduced us to other professionals who helped make the move seamless. It was very comforting having someone to guide us.”
Margaret & Ron came to Hazel & Fred for help choosing a retirement community and coordinating the move.
Every move starts with a conversation
I’d love to hear from you.