From empty nest to fancy new feathers

Watching your grown children leave home is both an emotional milestone and an exciting new chapter.

For many parents, this transition also coincides with retirement, and often used to prompt thoughts of downsizing or relocating to a coastal retreat. But an increasing number of "empty-nesters" are now rewriting that playbook by choosing to stay on in their family homes and use any extra free time they have to explore new hobbies, launch online businesses, further their studies or become more involved in community activities.

They are also repurposing rooms vacated by their children to suit their evolving lifestyles and enable them to enjoy more of their favourite activities without leaving home. One of the most common transformations is converting a spare bedroom into a home office, even if it is just to pay bills, respond to emails, or edit photos instead of working off the kitchen counter.

Speciality rooms that have also gained popularity include media rooms with soundproofing, surround sound and luxurious seating that provide top-quality and convenient entertainment experiences.

Then there are hobby rooms which cater to passions like pottery, woodwork, sewing, beading or quilting and allow creativity to flourish without taking over the dining table. Outbuildings are also being converted to serve a whole variety of purposes, including home gyms, workshops and yoga, dance and art studios.

For empty-nesters seeking a feeling of luxury, merging a vacated room with an adjacent master bedroom might create a private sanctuary complete with dressing room, an opulent ensuite bathroom and a private lounge area for unwinding in style.

However, while these renovations can greatly enhance daily life, homeowners should be mindful of overcapitalising their properties.

Any modifications should balance personal enjoyment with long-term market appeal and value, so before they make any major additions or alterations, homeowners should consult an experienced local estate agent to ensure that these will not boost the value of the property beyond the current price ceiling for their area.