Weighing Your Options as an Upsizer

When your current home no longer suits your needs, the big question arises: do you buy an established property or knockdown rebuild (KDRB) on your existing block? Both paths have merit, but the right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.

Let’s break down each option so you can make a confident decision.

Buying Established

For many upsizers, buying an established home is the fastest way to secure extra space. You can move in quickly and avoid the building process altogether. Established homes often come with mature gardens, finished streetscapes, and the charm of character details that can be hard to replicate.

But there are trade-offs. Older homes may require extensive renovations, which can quickly add up in cost. Layouts might not reflect the way modern families live - think smaller kitchens, fewer open-plan spaces, and a lack of integrated storage. Maintenance is another factor, with ongoing repairs eating into both time and money.

If speed of moving is your top priority, buying established may be the right fit. Just be sure to weigh up renovation budgets and the compromises you may need to make on style or functionality.

Knockdown Rebuild

A knockdown rebuild offers the best of both worlds: you keep your current location, the schools, community, and commute you already love, while upgrading to a brand-new home tailored to your lifestyle. For upsizers, this means more bedrooms, larger living zones, and contemporary layouts designed for entertaining and family connection.

Take our Castlemaine 44 and Westbrook 54 at Bankside, Rowville. These homes showcase exactly what’s possible with a KDRB - spacious double-storey designs with multiple living areas, luxe master suites, and floorplans that flow seamlessly between indoor and outdoor entertaining.

Or, head to Berwick Waters in Clyde North, where designs like the Atherton 49, Hastings 27, and Alexandra 29 show how upsizers can embrace modern architecture, abundant natural light, and functional storage that makes everyday life effortless.

The investment is higher upfront compared to buying established, but the result is a home that works for you now and into the future without the hidden costs of constant renovations, and you get to stay in the location you love.

Which is Best for You?

If time and budget are the biggest drivers, an established home may tick the boxes. But if your priority is a home built for modern living complete with the space, style, and features your family deserves, a knockdown rebuild is hard to beat.

At Simonds, we’ve helped countless upsizers weigh their options and take the next step with confidence. Our display homes at Bankside and Berwick Waters are the perfect starting point to see what a KDRB can deliver.