Rightsizing: The Luxury Home Trend Redefining Downsizing

Lucía Torres · 2026-10-02

The old playbook said: when the kids move out, you downsize. But for many affluent homeowners in their 50s and beyond, that script no longer fits. Instead, they're rightsizing. It's a subtle but powerful shift. Rather than just buying a smaller home, these buyers are choosing homes that fit their lives more intentionally. They want turnkey design, privacy, and amenities that match their passions—without giving up luxury or location. We talked with Aileen Comora, an award-winning real estate pro at The Agency and a native Angeleno, to understand how this plays out in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Malibu. Her clients, many from the entertainment industry, are entering a new chapter. And they're not just looking for less—they're looking for right. ### What Exactly Is Rightsizing? "Downsizing is simply going from a large home to a smaller home," Comora says. "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." Think about it. Maybe you don't need that big yard or the pool you hardly use. Maybe you want a home that locks up easily when you travel. Rightsizing isn't about square footage—it's about fit. ### What's Driving the Shift? Comora, who's been in the business for nearly 40 years, says it's a mix of lifestyle, finances, and personal goals. For wealthier buyers, it's less about money and more about how they want to live. "They're seeking specific features and amenities that have nothing to do with bedroom count or square footage," she explains. "Perhaps the thought is to travel more, so less upkeep and a more manageable home to leave when traveling." It's not about having less. It's about having what matters. ### How Rightsizing Looks in Different Markets - **West Hollywood:** Moving from a house to a condo, or from a townhouse to a single-level home. Sometimes even the reverse—it all depends on the person. - **Beverly Hills:** Buyers often want turnkey estates that are easy to maintain, with privacy and security. - **Malibu:** It might mean being closer to the beach, or finding a guard-gated community like Serra Retreat where you can keep horses. Each market has its own flavor, but the thread is the same: intention. ### Privacy, Style, and Special Spaces For entertainment industry clients, privacy is non-negotiable. But style matters too. Comora notes that some need specific spaces: a glam room with a separate entrance, a media room, or a gym. And when they say "turnkey" and "low-maintenance"? They mean move-in ready, no remodeling. Low-maintenance often translates to a smaller yard, maybe no pool, and hardscape patios instead of lawns. ### A Common Misconception One thing Comora often corrects: square footage isn't everything. It's measured differently by different pros—interior designers, architects, appraisers. Sometimes a home with higher square footage feels smaller inside, depending on the floor plan. "An open floor plan vs. traditionally dedicated rooms can make a huge difference," she says. "The most important thing I've learned is that most buyers don't really know what they want until they see it." So, if you're thinking about your next move, don't just think smaller. Think right. Because the best home isn't about size—it's about how it fits your life.