Downsizing in Victoria: Your Questions Answered

Ideally, when you can choose rather than when you have to. Moving while you have the energy and options to enjoy your next home makes every decision easier. A good sign is when your home is asking more of you, in upkeep, stairs or space you don’t use, than it gives back.

Readiness is as much about how you want to live as it is about the house. My journal, Where Could You Go Next?, walks you through the questions that matter, at your own pace and before any decisions are made.

It depends on what the renovation would cost, what it would add to your home’s value, and whether it fixes the real issue. New flooring won’t change a long driveway, a big garden or stairs to the bedroom. I can help you compare both paths with real numbers before you commit to either.

Condos offer the least upkeep and often the most walkable locations. Townhouses give you more space and sometimes a small garden, usually with shared maintenance. One-level ranchers offer privacy and no stairs, but you’ll still look after the house and yard. Compare the options here.

Most condos and many townhouses in BC are strata properties. The monthly fee pays for shared costs such as building insurance, common-area maintenance and a contingency funds for future repairs. Before buying, it’s part of the due diligence to review the strata’s bylaws, recent meeting minutes and any depreciation report, which show what’s planned and whether rules on pets or rentals would suit you.

It depends on how you want to live. Downtown and James Bay offer walkable condo living close to the water. Oak Bay village, Sidney, Brentwood Bay and Saanichton combine a smaller-community feel with shops and services nearby. North Saanich is beautiful, but its larger homes and limited walkability suit fewer downsizers. Explore the neighbourhoods.

There’s no single right answer. It depends on your finances, the market and how much uncertainty you’re comfortable with. Options include buying with a subject to the sale of your home, arranging longer completion dates, or bridge financing through your lender. We’ll look at what fits your situation, and I can introduce you to a mortgage professional if it helps.

These two questions belong together. I’ll prepare a market evaluation of your current home and look at what that could buy in the areas you’re considering, so you can see the trade-offs clearly before deciding anything.

Start with what will make the biggest difference to buyers, not everything at once. I’ll help you decide which repairs are worth doing, what to declutter first and what you can leave, so your time, money and energy go where they count.

Often, yes: a mortgage professional, financial planner, lawyer or notary, movers or a professional organizer. I’ll introduce trusted local people based on what you actually need, and keep the pieces connected so you’re not managing it all on your own.

Early, and with the facts in hand. Many of my clients share their plans with adult children once they have a clearer picture of their options. It keeps conversations practical and avoids surprises later. Family members are always welcome to join our conversations.

It’s a complimentary, added part of my service, by video or in person. We’ll talk about what’s prompting you to think about a move, what matters most in your next home, and what your next steps could be. There’s no obligation, and if staying put is the right answer, I’ll tell you.