Why Luxury Buyers Are Ditching Downsizing for "Rightsizing"

Lucía Torres · 2026-10-02

The word "downsizing" used to conjure images of squeezing into a smaller space. But for today's affluent homeowners, that's not the story anymore. They're not just moving to smaller homes—they're rightsizing. It's a whole different mindset. We sat down with Aileen Comora, an award-winning real estate pro and native Angeleno, to unpack what rightsizing really means for buyers in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Malibu. Especially those in the entertainment industry who are entering their next chapter. ### What Exactly Is Rightsizing? "Downsizing is simply going from a large home to a smaller home," Aileen explains. "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." So it's not about square footage. It's about fit. Maybe you don't need a massive yard or a pool you'll never use. Maybe you want a turnkey place that lets you lock up and travel without worry. ### The Drivers Behind the Shift After nearly 40 years in the business, Aileen has seen it all. She says the shift among homeowners in their 50s and beyond comes down to a mix of lifestyle and finances—but for the wealthy, it's more about lifestyle. "It's not necessarily a financial consideration," she says. "It's a lifestyle choice where people are seeking specific features and amenities that have nothing to do with bedroom count or square footage." Think: less upkeep, more freedom. A home that's easy to leave when you want to see the world. ### How Rightsizing Looks in Different Markets - **West Hollywood:** Moving from a house to a condo, or from a multi-level townhouse to a single-level home. Sometimes even the reverse—it's about what fits your life now. - **Malibu:** Maybe you want to be closer to the beach. Or you want a guard-gated community where you can keep horses, like Serra Retreat. ### Privacy and Security for Entertainment Clients For clients in the entertainment industry, privacy is non-negotiable. "Privacy is number one, and then style," Aileen says. They might need a glam room with a separate entrance, a media room, or a gym. It's about creating a sanctuary that supports their lifestyle. ### Turnkey and Low-Maintenance Without Sacrificing Luxury When clients say they want turnkey and low-maintenance, they mean: - No building or remodeling—just decorating. - A smaller yard, maybe no pool. - Hardscape and patios instead of gardens and lawns. It's luxury that doesn't tie you down. ### The Misconception Clients Often Have Aileen often corrects one big misconception: that square footage tells the whole story. "Square footage is measured differently by different professionals," she notes. An open floor plan can feel larger than a traditionally divided space with the same square footage. So she might show a property with higher square footage because it feels different inside. But the most important lesson she's learned? "Most buyers don't really know what they want. They will see photos and be curious to look at a property, but once they're inside, everything changes." That's why rightsizing is so personal. It's not about a number—it's about how you want to live. ### The Takeaway Rightsizing is about intentionality. It's choosing a home that supports your next chapter, whatever that looks like. Whether it's a lock-and-leave condo in West Hollywood or a horse-friendly retreat in Malibu, the goal is the same: a home that fits your life, not the other way around.