Condo vs Bungalow GTA: What Downsizers Should Know
Updated: February 2026
By the Keith and Françoise Real Estate Team, Ontario REALTORS®, with eXp Realty Brokerage. We help homeowners across the Greater Toronto Area and the Niagara Region compare downsizing options with a focus on lifestyle fit, ongoing costs, and resale considerations.
Key Takeaway
Choosing between a condo and a bungalow when downsizing in the GTA is less about square footage and more about lifestyle, monthly costs, and long-term flexibility. Each option solves different problems, and the right choice depends on how you want to live after you move.
Downsizers in the GTA often narrow their options to two common paths: a condominium or a bungalow. Both can reduce maintenance and simplify living, but they come with very different trade-offs. This article outlines how each option typically compares for homeowners downsizing in the GTA.
For a broader view of how this decision fits into the overall downsizing process, see Downsizing in Ontario.
Why this comparison matters for downsizers
Condos and bungalows often appeal to the same downsizers for different reasons. Understanding the practical differences helps prevent surprises later, especially around costs, upkeep, and lifestyle expectations.
Condos as a downsizing option
Condos appeal to downsizers who want minimal exterior maintenance and clearer day-to-day responsibilities. They often provide elevator access, security features, and proximity to amenities. For many homeowners, that convenience is the main driver.
Things to consider with condos
- Monthly condo fees and how they can change over time
- Rules around pets, renovations, and rentals
- Reliance on a condo corporation for maintenance decisions
- Limited control over long-term building costs
Bungalows as a downsizing option
Bungalows offer one-level living without shared walls or condo governance. They appeal to downsizers who want privacy, outdoor space, and control over their property. In many GTA neighbourhoods, bungalows are limited in supply, which can affect price and timing.
Things to consider with bungalows
- Higher purchase prices in established areas
- Ongoing responsibility for maintenance and repairs
- Property taxes and utility costs
- Long-term upkeep as needs change
Cost differences over time
Condos often appear more affordable upfront, but monthly fees should be factored into long-term planning. Bungalows typically have higher initial prices but offer more control over expenses. Comparing the full monthly carry provides a clearer picture than purchase price alone.
If you are still clarifying what your next home needs to support, this comparison fits into the broader downsizing process outlined in downsizing your home in Ontario.
Resale considerations in the GTA
Both condos and bungalows can resell well, but for different reasons. Condos often attract a broader buyer pool, while bungalows can appeal strongly to families and builders in certain neighbourhoods. Market conditions and location play a significant role in future resale outcomes.
In many GTA neighbourhoods, bungalows exist in limited numbers compared to condos and townhomes. TRREB market data regularly highlights how housing supply varies by property type and location, which helps explain why bungalows can be harder to find and more competitive for downsizers. Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).
Lifestyle and flexibility
Lifestyle is often the deciding factor. Condos suit downsizers who value convenience and shared amenities. Bungalows suit those who prefer independence and outdoor space. Being honest about how you want to live day to day helps clarify the better fit.
What usually comes next
Once the condo versus bungalow question is clearer, downsizers typically move on to refining location, confirming budget ranges, and deciding whether selling first or buying first makes sense. Clarifying this choice early helps avoid wasted time and mismatched expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neither is universally better. Condos suit downsizers who prioritize low maintenance and predictable responsibilities, while bungalows suit those who want privacy, outdoor space, and control over their property.
Yes. In many established GTA neighbourhoods, bungalows are limited in supply, which can affect pricing, competition, and timing for downsizers.
Not always. While condos may have a lower purchase price, monthly condo fees can offset savings over time. Comparing full monthly carrying costs gives a clearer picture.
Bungalows typically offer more flexibility for renovations and future changes, while condos provide convenience but involve shared decision-making through a condo corporation..
THE RIGHT DOWNSIZING CHOICE IS ABOUT FIT
If you are weighing a condo versus a bungalow in the GTA, we can help you compare realistic costs, availability, and lifestyle trade-offs before you commit.
Disclaimer: This page is provided for general information only. Housing costs, availability, and suitability vary by property, neighbourhood, and individual circumstances.