Over the last two decades, the trend was towards larger and larger homes. Termed by many as “McMansions”, these custom-built residences offered a luxuriant lifestyle with ample space, storage and amenity. While many lamented the rise of these homes – which often were constructed after razing smaller structures – others saw the properties as the epitome of the Florida lifestyle.
However, trends come and go. And while there will always be those who love expansive homes with soaring ceilings and wide open spaces, the trend is moving towards small properties once again. Downsizing has become a trend in itself, and for good reason.
While there is an overreaching downsizing trend, people have been synching up a move to Sarasota with a more carefree lifestyle for years. From maintenance-free homes to condominiums offering full-services to their residents, the less work and upkeep, the better. Here are some of the many reasons that downsizing is such a hot trend.
Financial Security: Selling a large home and moving into a smaller one often allows the homeowner to pay cash for the new place (or only have a very small mortgage). Many are also able to put money into savings and other investments, allowing them to live more comfortably day to day. Of course, smaller homes are typically associated with lower costs overall, from utility costs to upkeep and often, property taxes.
Lower Stress: A smaller place means fewer rooms to clean, less to keep track of, and less yard to mow. Many homeowners in the Longboat Key area live in maintenance free communities which take care of the outside of the property for them. Often, downsizing is combined with a cathartic “purging” of many things which have done nothing but gather dust, allowing people to live a less cluttered, more ordered life which requires less attention on a daily basis.
The Perfect Lot: It is said that in real estate, it is all about “location, location, location.” When seeking the perfect beach property, the ideal golf course frontage, or the most idyllic oasis on a deep water canal, the property dimensions may very well determine the size and scope of the custom home you build. Still, many are willing to forgo some extra space for the view they have dreamed of their entire life.
It’s Easy Being Green: A smaller physical footprint translates to a home which is typically better for the environment. It takes less energy to keep cool, and requires less removal of the surrounding trees, grass and plant life for construction. Further, if a resident is interested in solar panels for electricity, the small square footage makes for more efficient power consumption.
More Expansive Outdoor Spaces: By downsizing the size of the house, homeowners can utilize their remaining property for outdoor spaces. Because Sarasota enjoys beautiful weather year-round, many hope to build expansive lanais and pool areas; gazebos and reading gardens; statue and butterfly gardens; or vegetable gardens and fruit trees. Floridians live much of their lives outdoors, and so utilizing lot square footage for optimum outdoor living is common.
Whatever your reason for downsizing, the team at Lindahl Construction are experts in bringing visions of dream homes to life. We know all the tricks – from lofts to creative storage – to maximize your space. If you are looking to build an elegant estate or a cozy cottage, we are the call to make in Sarasota and Longboat Key.