Rightsizing: The Luxury Home Trend Redefining Downsizing for Affluent Buyers

Lucía Torres · 2026-10-02

The traditional idea of downsizing is evolving. Rather than simply choosing smaller homes, many of today's mature homeowners are "rightsizing," prioritizing turnkey design, privacy, and unique amenities without sacrificing luxury or location. These buyers have moved past the "family home" life stage and are seeking properties that can suit their evolving goals and personal interests. We spoke with The Agency's Aileen Comora, an award-winning real estate professional and a native Angeleno, to examine how this shift is playing out across West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Malibu—particularly among entertainment industry clients entering their next chapter. ### What Exactly Is Rightsizing? Downsizing is simply going from a large home to a smaller home. Rightsizing, on the other hand, is when a buyer purchases a home that fits their needs more intentionally. They prioritize features they can manage and eliminate those they cannot, like a large yard or pool. It's about making deliberate choices rather than just reducing square footage. ### The Driving Forces Behind the Shift What's driving this trend among affluent homeowners in their 50s and beyond? According to Comora, who has nearly 40 years in the industry, it's a combination of life factors. For those in a higher wealth bracket, it's not necessarily a financial consideration—though finances always matter—but a lifestyle choice. People seek specific features and amenities that have nothing to do with bedroom count or square footage. Perhaps they want to travel more, so rightsizing means less upkeep and a more manageable home to leave when traveling. ### How Rightsizing Looks in Different Markets In West Hollywood, rightsizing might mean moving from a home to a condominium, or from a townhouse to a single-level residence—or even the reverse. In Malibu, it could mean wanting to be closer to the beach or finding a guard-gated area where they can keep horses, like the Serra Retreat community. ### Privacy and Security for Entertainment Clients Entertainment industry clients often have unique needs around privacy and security. "Privacy is number one, and then style," Comora says. A client might also need specific spaces such as a glam room with a separate entrance, a media room, or a gym. ### Turnkey and Low-Maintenance Without Compromise When a client says they want "turnkey" and "low-maintenance" without sacrificing luxury, what does that mean? Turnkey means they don't want to do any building or remodeling—besides decorating. They usually want to move right in. Low maintenance typically means "less to worry about": a smaller yard, maybe no pool, and hardscape and patios instead of gardens and lawns. ### Correcting Misconceptions One common misconception clients have about rightsizing is that square footage is measured consistently. In reality, it's measured differently by different professionals—interior designers, architects, appraisers. Comora sometimes shows a property on the higher end of square footage because it will feel different once inside the room. An example would be an open floor plan versus traditionally dedicated rooms. > "Downsizing is simply going from a large home to a smaller home. Rightsizing is when a buyer is purchasing a home that fits their needs more intentionally, prioritizing features that they can manage and eliminating those they cannot." — Aileen Comora ### The Key Takeaway The most important thing Comora has learned over the years is that most buyers don't really know what they want. They see photos and get curious, but the real journey is about understanding their lifestyle and matching it with the right property. Rightsizing isn't about less—it's about more of what truly matters to you.