Lifestyle benefits outweigh costs of apartment living for some downsizers

Key points

• An inner-city apartment suits John Turner, 72, who moved with his wife Kathryn after retiring, citing closeness to hospital, transport and shops. Brisbane downsizer Bryan Worn, 78, moved to an apartment last year to avoid maintenance on his old home.
• The Turners said strata fees rose sharply over time and development around them grew.
• Housing experts say emotional ties to homes and a shortage of larger apartments keep many older Australians from downsizing.