The Complete Guide to Downsizing in Ontario -

Thinking about downsizing? Whether you’re preparing to sell a large family home in the GTA or considering a lifestyle shift within St. Catharines or Niagara Falls, this guide gives you a clear, practical plan backed by experience and local market knowledge.

Keith and I downsized ourselves. We sold our 5+2 bedroom home in Vaughan and moved to St. Catharines, a decision that gave us more flexibility and a lifestyle that suits us better today. We’ve also helped many Ontario homeowners make similar moves that free up equity, reduce stress, and align with the way they truly want to live.

This guide covers what you need to know without fluff or pressure.

Why Ontario Homeowners Downsize?

For most people, downsizing isn’t just about space it’s about priorities.

You may be ready if:

You’re retired or semi-retired and want less home to manage
Your home feels too big or too costly for your current needs
You’re separating or entering a new life stage
You want to be closer to healthcare, family, or community

Downsizing doesn’t mean settling. Done right, it gives you more time, flexibility, and options.

Client Story: Anna & Rob, Markham to Niagara Falls
For Anna and Rob, long-time residents of Markham, downsizing wasn’t just about moving to a smaller space it was about reclaiming their time and energy. With health concerns making it harder to maintain their large home, they decided to make a change.

We helped them sell their family property and find the perfect low-maintenance condo townhouse in Niagara Falls. Today, they spend their time cooking, gardening, and enjoying their new community—surrounded by neighbours who’ve become close friends.

Step 1: Know Where You Stand Financially

Before making any decisions, get a clear picture of your numbers.

What is your home worth today?
How much equity will you have after selling?
Are you planning to buy another home outright, finance it, or rent?
What will your monthly housing costs be after you move?

📘 Land Transfer Tax Calculator – Ontario.ca
📘 CMHC Budget Planner Tool

Step 2: Choose the Right Next Home

Here’s how different property types compare for downsizers:

Option	Pros	Considerations
Condo	Low maintenance, amenities, security	Monthly fees, rules and restrictions
Bungalow	Single-level living, private outdoor space	More upkeep, often more costly to buy
Adult Community	Social setting, no stairs, accessible design	May require relocating outside the GTA
Rental	Flexibility, low commitment	No equity building, potential rent increases

Step 3: Declutter with Purpose

This is often the most difficult part but also the most freeing.

Start 3 to 6 months before you plan to list
Work room by room: closets, storage, garage
Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or store
If needed, rent a locker to keep staging clean

We’ve had clients say this stage helped them mentally prepare to let go of the home. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone, and we can guide you through it.

“Keith and I always remind our clients to be realistic about how much space they’ll have after downsizing and yet, we made the classic mistake ourselves. When we moved into our new home (half the size of our previous one), we brought way too much with us.

The house had been vacant when we bought it, so it looked much larger than it actually was. We should have known better but sometimes even Realtors need to live it to learn it. Now, we pass that lesson on to our clients.”

➡️ Related: What to Do With All Your Stuff When Downsizing (coming soon)

Downsizing If You Live in St. Catharines or Niagara Falls

We also work with long-time Niagara Region homeowners who are downsizing again.

You may be:

Moving from a detached home to a condo or bungalow
Transitioning to something closer to services or transit
Planning for more walkable, maintenance-free living

Popular options include:

Condos in Port Dalhousie or downtown St. Catharines
Townhomes in north Niagara Falls or Thorold
Adult-oriented communities near Garrison Village or the Welland Canal

If your current home no longer fits, we’ll help you evaluate your options and make a move that supports your goals, not just your square footage.

Common Mistakes People Make When Downsizing

After helping dozens of homeowners downsize across Ontario, here are the most common missteps we see:

1. Waiting too long to start
Downsizing works best when it’s proactive. Waiting until you have to move limits your options.

2. Underestimating time and effort
Decluttering, preparing, listing, and moving takes energy. Give yourself time and support.

3. Focusing only on price, not lifestyle
Cheaper isn’t always better. Consider accessibility, location, walkability, and future needs.

4. Over-renovating before listing
You don’t need to fully remodel. We’ll help you determine what actually adds value.

5. Trying to time the market perfectly
Focus on your own goals and timing. If your current home no longer works, it’s worth exploring next steps now.

What’s Included When You List With Us

When you’re ready to sell, we take care of everything so you can focus on your next move.

Full market evaluation and pricing strategy
Complimentary staging consultation (includes 1 month of full staging)
Professional photography and videography
Strategic online and offline marketing
Skilled negotiation to protect your price and timing
Support from start to finish even after the sale

Want the full breakdown? See everything included in our Listing Services. (Link to full page)

What We’ve Learned from Downsizing and What You Should Know

Downsizing isn’t just a real estate decision it’s a personal one. Over the years, we’ve worked with clients in every stage of life: retirees, widows, couples going through separation, and families making intentional lifestyle changes. Some have downsized across town. Others moved from the GTA to Niagara for a slower pace and more affordability.

No two stories are the same. But one thing is consistent: when downsizing is done thoughtfully, it creates space for what matters next.

We’ve lived it ourselves. We’ve made the tough calls about what to bring and what to let go. That experience helps us guide our clients with practical advice and no pressure. If you’re thinking about downsizing, even just exploring it, we’re here to help you weigh your options, plan the right steps, and move forward when the time is right.

📞 Contact us here if you’re ready to talk through what downsizing could look like for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sell before I buy?

It depends on your financial picture and goals. In some cases, we recommend selling first so you know exactly what you can afford next. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons.

How much does downsizing cost?

Expect to budget for legal fees, real estate costs, land transfer tax (if buying), and moving expenses. We provide a full cost breakdown up front.

Can I downsize without leaving my community?

Often, yes. In many GTA and Niagara neighbourhoods, there are bungalows, condos, and townhomes that work well for downsizers. We can help you identify options based on where you live now.