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Many people in my generation are unfamiliar with today’s system
Sir, – I am part of a generation increasingly encouraged to right-size . Yet my experience has made it clear that the shortage of suitable housing is only part of the problem.
There are other, less visible barriers that must be addressed if we genuinely want mature homeowners to move into apartments and release larger family homes. The first is transparency. For many purchasers, whether pets are permitted is fundamental to whether a property is suitable. Yet I have encountered selling agents who verbally confirm that dogs are permitted but become evasive when asked to provide written confirmation or the relevant management-company rules.
The same applies to management fees. Before making an offer, purchasers should know the current annual fee, exactly what it covers, any additional or exceptional charges and recent increases. These costs can materially affect affordability and should not emerge later in the process. There should be a standardised apartment information sheet for both new and second-hand properties covering pet restrictions, management fees, recent increases, parking and significant management-company requirements.
This should be available before an offer or deposit is made. The second barrier is the complexity of the modern buying process. Many people in my generation bought their homes 25 or 30 years ago and are unfamiliar with today’s system. Co-ordinating a sale and purchase, financing a deposit, surveys, contracts, conveyancing and management-company requirements can be daunting.
If we want people to right-size, we need a clear, accessible pathway explaining the process and the financial and legal steps involved. The third barrier is how prospective purchasers are treated. I have encountered highly professional agents who communicate clearly and promptly, but also others who have been dismissive or slow to respond to legitimate concerns. For someone navigating an unfamiliar process, poor communication can become a genuine deterrent.
This matters particularly for neurodivergent purchasers, for whom clarity, consistency and respectful communication can be essential. If policymakers are serious about right-sizing, they must look beyond housing supply: give people the information, remove the obstacles, and people can move – Yours, etc, SANDRA NÍ DHUBHDA, Stillorgan, Dublin.
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