Buyers advocate for downsizers and retirees
Your next chapter, handled with utmost care
Hidden Gems Property Scouts supports downsizers and retirees to move with confidence, balancing the emotional and financial sides of buying in Melbourne’s west.
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Trish Moore B.Bus (Acc) FCA
Principal Buyers Agent
Estate Agent Licence
VIC 087665L
What makes downsizing hard
Letting go of a long held family home is as emotional as it is financial, and the practical work of selling and buying can feel exhausting. Many downsizers worry about accessing equity safely, choosing the right location for this stage of life, and not being rushed or pressured into a decision.
Downsizing decisions can be heavily regretted. You sell the family home for less than it's worth. Later you realize you could have negotiated better. Or you downsize too much, choosing an apartment that feels claustrophobic, and you end up wanting more space.
If you regret the decision, you can always move again, but that costs time, money, and energy. Better to get downsizing right the first time.
And there's the financial pressure. You're releasing significant equity, potentially $200K-$500K+. Getting this transaction right matters to your retirement security. You can't afford to leave $50K on the table through weak negotiation or poor market timing.
You need someone who understands this specific life transition. Someone who sees downsizing as thoughtful, not rushed.
Someone who helps you get maximum value from the family home while finding the right smaller property that truly fits this chapter of your life.
Find your next home without the stress or pressure
Downsizing isn't just about finding a smaller home - it's about protecting your retirement plans while navigating an emotional transition. Here's what you can expect when you work with us.
- Work out what you actually need from your next home - whether that's freeing up capital for travel, staying near family, or simply ending the weekend maintenance
- See off-market properties in western suburbs before they're advertised - low-maintenance townhouses, villa units near services, beachside options that match your budget
- Your financial planner and solicitor stay in the loop so your property move aligns with your super strategy and Age Pension planning
- You control the timeline. No pressure or pushy tactics. Some clients take three months, others take twelve months to find the right place
- You focus on the personal side - sorting memories, involving family, preparing for what's next. While the complex negotiations and contracts are handled for you
Why Trish is trusted by downsizers
As an FCA qualified finance professional with four decades of experience, Trish understands super, equity and cash flow implications in a way most agents do not. Combined with a patient, respectful manner, that makes her a reassuring guide through a major life change.
Three steps to your new home
Brief
We start by understanding your goals, budget, timeline, and must-haves. You get a clear property strategy built around your lifestyle, not just what's available on the market.
Search
Access off-market properties before they hit realestate.com.au. You receive a shortlist of only the properties worth your time, with honest assessments that cut through agent spin.
Secure
Once you've found the right property, expert negotiation and auction bidding are handled for you. You get the best possible price and terms without the stress of going head-to-head with selling agents.
Ready to downsize with confidence?
Book a free consultation with Trish. She'll listen to your situation, explain your options, and show you how she can guide you through this important life transition with confidence.
Questions retirees ask
How do you help downsizers decide what and where to buy?
We explore what you want this next stage of life to look like, then match that to western suburbs and property types that support your lifestyle, access and budget. This includes discussing proximity to family, health services, transport and community in each area.
Will downsizing affect my Age Pension or other benefits?
Downsizing can affect pensions and benefits because selling and buying changes your assets and income, so independent financial advice is essential. We work with your advisers to ensure the properties you consider fit within the strategy they recommend.
What is a “downsizer contribution” to super, and does it matter for property decisions?
Australian rules allow eligible older sellers to contribute some sale proceeds to superannuation as a “downsizer contribution”, which can have tax and Centrelink implications. While your financial planner leads that advice, we ensure timelines and sale prices assumed in that strategy are realistic for your property.
Is it better to buy an apartment, townhouse or small house when we downsize?
Each option has trade offs in maintenance, body corporate fees, privacy and accessibility, and the right choice depends on your priorities. We help you compare options in your preferred western suburbs so you can see clearly what each means for day to day living and resale.
How long does a typical downsizing move take?
From decision to settlement, many downsizing journeys run over several months or more, especially when you factor in decluttering and preparing the current home for sale. We pace the search and transaction steps to avoid unnecessary pressure, while still moving decisively when the right property appears.
Can you help if one partner is ready to move and the other is not?
We often see couples at different stages of readiness, so part of our role is to provide clear information and gentle structure to support those conversations. Ultimately the decision is yours, but having a neutral guide can make it easier to weigh options together.
Do you help with accessibility considerations?
Yes, we pay close attention to stairs, bathroom access, parking, and proximity to key services when shortlisting homes for downsizers. If you require specific accessibility modifications, we recommend consulting occupational therapists or access specialists before committing.
Should we sell before we buy when downsizing?
There is no single answer; selling first gives clarity on your budget, while buying first can reduce disruption if structured carefully. We work with your financial and legal advisers to choose an approach that balances risk, timing and peace of mind.
Can you help if we are moving from regional Victoria or another state into Melbourne’s west?
Yes, we assist many downsizers relocating into the western suburbs to be closer to family or services. Our process for out of area buyers combines suburb education, video inspections and careful due diligence.
