Toronto downsizing & life transition real estate
Downsizing in Toronto: The Full Transition, Not Just the Transaction
Sell, buy, and manage the whole move with one team. Professional staging through Kelly Allan Design is included at no cost, something most agents charge $3,000 to $8,000 for.
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Find out how much equity you could unlock, and what comes next.
No obligation. Jacquie personally reviews every inquiry and responds within one business day. Or call 416-486-8282.
What to expect
What happens when I contact Othen Group about downsizing?
The short answer
When you contact Othen Group, you'll first have a free 20-minute call with Jacquie Othen, SRES. She asks about your timeline, your home, and what you're hoping for in your next chapter. You'll receive an honest assessment of whether now is the right time, a free equity estimate showing what your home is worth and what you could unlock after transaction costs, and, if it's a fit, a personalized transition plan covering timeline, target neighbourhoods, staging, and move coordination. No commitment is required at any stage.
Free 20-Minute Call
Honest answers about what's realistic and whether now is the right time. No sales pitch.
Your Free Equity Estimate
Your home's current value and the equity you could unlock after all transaction costs.
Your Downsizing Plan
Timeline, target neighbourhoods, staging and move coordination. You set the pace.
Let's start here
What is downsizing in real estate?
The kids are gone, the extra bedrooms sit empty, and the costs keep climbing for space you barely use. Downsizing means stopping that. It's not giving something up. It's trading one set of circumstances for a better one.
The short answer
As of October 2026, downsizing in real estate means selling your current home and buying a smaller, more manageable property, typically moving from a detached family home to a condo, townhome, or smaller detached house. In Toronto, downsizing isn't exclusively a retirement decision: empty nesters, professionals simplifying after separation, and anyone paying for space they no longer use are downsizing. The financial benefit is material: most Toronto homeowners who downsize free up $500,000 to $2M+ in net equity, and monthly carrying costs (property tax, utilities, maintenance) typically decrease. Jacquie Othen and the Othen Group have guided Toronto families through this transition for 15+ years.
Want the full breakdown before we talk? Our Complete Toronto Downsizing Guide covers timelines, home evaluations, budgeting, neighbourhood options, decluttering strategies, and the 7 biggest mistakes we see families make.
Who we work with
Who is downsizing in Toronto, and is it right for me?
The short answer
Downsizing is right for you if your home is larger than your current life requires, and the financial or physical cost of maintaining it outweighs the benefit of staying. As of October 2026, Othen Group's downsizing clients in Toronto span four main situations: empty nesters (most common, typically ages 55 to 70), seniors planning for accessibility and reduced maintenance, right-sizers who want a different lifestyle rather than simply less space, and relocators moving to or within Toronto who need local neighbourhood expertise. The SRES designation Jacquie Othen holds is specifically designed for these life-stage transitions.
Empty Nesters
A home built for a family that's moved on. Unlock your equity and simplify.
Right-Sizers
Not less space. The right space, in a layout that fits how you live now.
Senior Downsizing
Estate, accessibility and family coordination, handled with SRES training. Seniors services
Relocators
Honest neighbourhood comparisons and building-level knowledge. Relocation services
Why families choose us
What makes Othen Group different from other Toronto realtors?
The short answer
Othen Group is Toronto's full-service life transition real estate team. Jacquie Othen holds the SRES designation, the credential specific to senior and life-stage real estate. Professional staging through Kelly Allan Design is included at no cost for every home listed. Othen Group coordinates what it calls the Full Transition: real estate, free staging, packing and sorting through Downsizing Divas, senior-focused movers, estate lawyers, and financial planners, all under one contact. Clients don't coordinate vendors. Othen Group handles the rest.
- SRES designation
- Free staging, every listing
- Downsizing Divas partnership
- Vetted vendor network
- One point of contact
- 15+ years of street-level knowledge
Staging included on every listing, through Kelly Allan Design.
Watch first
What should you know before downsizing in Toronto?
Jacquie Othen covers the decisions that matter most: timing your move, choosing the right property type, picking the right condo building, and protecting your investment at every step.
Bungalow, Condo Townhome, or Condo: Which Is Right When Downsizing in Toronto?
Watch on YouTubeHow to Pick the Right Toronto Condo When Downsizing (And Protect Your Investment)
Watch on YouTubeThe support you actually need
What does downsizing support in Toronto include?
The short answer
Downsizing support from Othen Group means end-to-end coordination, not just the real estate transaction. This includes: a free equity estimate showing what your home is worth and what you could unlock; professional staging at no cost through Kelly Allan Design; decluttering, sorting, and packing coordination through Downsizing Divas; a vetted network of estate lawyers, senior-focused movers, organizers, and financial advisors; buyer representation for the next home with your lifestyle priorities built into every search; and aligned closing dates so you move once and move right. One call to 416-486-8282 starts it all. You decide the pace. We handle the rest.
Practical
Decluttering, donations and packing through Downsizing Divas, a partner we've trusted for years.
Financial & Legal
Estate lawyers, tax advisors and planners who understand life-stage transitions.
Emotional
Selling a home you've lived in for 25 years deserves patience and honesty. The pacing is deliberate.
Selling your home
Should I sell my house before buying a condo when downsizing?
In most cases, no. Find your next home first, make a conditional offer, then list.
- Honest market analysis upfront
- Room-by-room preparation review
- Professional staging through Kelly Allan Design
- Cleaning, painting and minor repairs coordinated
- Pricing and offer strategy built around your next move
The short answer
Othen Group's recommended sequence is to find your next home first, make a conditional offer, then list your current home. Selling first creates a hard deadline, giving buyers of your next property negotiating leverage. Buying conditionally first lets you control both timelines and align closing dates: one clean move with no gap in housing and no interim storage costs. This approach requires an agent who can manage two simultaneous transactions, which is a core part of the Othen Group downsizing service model.
Finding your next home
What Toronto neighbourhoods are best for downsizing?
The short answer
The top Toronto neighbourhoods for downsizing in 2026 are Yonge & Eglinton (Walk Score 96, highest transit access, full condo amenity market); Summerhill (quieter midtown feel, Summerhill Market walkable, lower density); Lawrence Park (best for staying in a house with less maintenance); Leaside (strong community character, served by the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, open since February 2026); Don Mills (Eglinton Crosstown LRT Science Centre station, open since February 2026, mixed condo/townhome market, Shops at Don Mills); and The Beaches (Queen Street lifestyle, boardwalk, Walk Score 95). Jacquie Othen has transacted in all six of these neighbourhoods and provides neighbourhood-specific comparisons in every consultation.
Many downsizing moves involve senior transition coordination alongside the standard transaction: family communication, power of attorney, and care-facility moves. If that applies to your situation, our dedicated seniors real estate service covers these additional dimensions in full.
Estate sales & executors
How does Othen Group help with estate sales and probate properties in Toronto?
The short answer
Othen Group offers full-service estate sales and probate property transactions in Toronto. This includes coordinating with estate lawyers and powers of attorney, preparing and staging the property (through Kelly Allan Design at no cost), donating and selling estate items through trusted partners, and keeping all family members informed throughout the process. Executors and out-of-town family members have one point of contact to manage all vendors and legal coordination. Jacquie Othen's SRES training covers the legal and emotional considerations specific to estate real estate transactions.
What we handle
- Estate lawyers and powers of attorney
- Property preparation and staging
- Estate sale and donations
- Updates for every family member
Who this is for
- Adult children managing a parent's estate
- Executors handling a probate sale
- Families who need to sell quickly
- Out-of-town family members
What clients say
What do downsizing clients say about working with Othen Group?
“Jacquie and her team of professionals are in my opinion the best in Toronto. She sold my home in a timely fashion and supported me through out the whole process - throughout by going above and beyond and relating to me as if she was my own daughter.”
“We had a challenging situation; downsizing after 30 years in a tough market. Jacquie and her team were extremely supportive, and did exactly what they said they would do; surpassing all our expectations. With their help, our house sold almost immediately, for a little over asking.”
“After my mother passed, I was overwhelmed by everything that needed to happen with her house. Jacquie handled every single piece of it, the estate lawyer, the stagers, the movers, the cleanup. I just had to show up at closing. I can't thank her enough.”
“We were nervous about giving up our house. Jacquie was completely honest with us about what to expect and found us the perfect condo in Leaside, two blocks from our daughter. The staging was beautiful and we got more than we were expecting for our house.”
Choosing an agent
How do I choose a downsizing realtor in Toronto?
The short answer
Jacquie Othen, SRES, of Othen Group is a Toronto sales representative focused on downsizing in midtown and east Toronto. The three criteria that matter when choosing a downsizing realtor are: (1) the SRES designation, the industry credential requiring specialized training in senior and life-stage transitions; (2) a full-service model that includes staging, vendor coordination, and move management, not just the transaction; and (3) a verified track record with downsizing clients specifically. Othen Group has 90+ five-star Google reviews, 15+ years working the Leaside–Lawrence Park–Don Mills corridor, professional staging through Kelly Allan Design at no cost, and a partnership with Downsizing Divas for decluttering and move coordination. Call 416-486-8282 to confirm fit before you commit to anything.
Book a free 20-minute call
What your home is worth today, and what your full transition could look like.
No obligation · SRES-certified · Reply within one business day. Prefer to talk? Call 416-486-8282.
Free guide
Not quite ready to talk? Start with the guide.
Timelines, costs, home evaluations, neighbourhood options, decluttering, and the 7 biggest mistakes we see families make. Written by Jacquie Othen, SRES.
Questions we hear every day
What do people most want to know about downsizing in Toronto?
Is downsizing only for seniors?
No. Downsizing is for anyone whose home no longer fits their life. Empty nesters in their 40s and 50s, professionals simplifying, separated couples, and people relocating are all downsizing. We work with clients at every stage of life.
Should I sell before I buy when downsizing?
In most cases, find your next home first, make a conditional offer, and then list your current home. Selling first creates time pressure that often leads to settling for a property you don't love. We structure both transactions to align your closing dates.
How much does it cost to downsize a home in Toronto?
Downsizing costs include real estate commissions, legal fees, land transfer tax on your next purchase, and moving expenses. Most downsizers come out well ahead financially. In Toronto, the gap between a detached family home and a condo or smaller property can free $500,000 to $2M+ in net equity after all transaction costs. Your ongoing property tax, utility, and maintenance costs typically drop, too. Othen Group includes professional staging at no cost, which removes one of the biggest expenses other sellers face.
Can you coordinate the entire move?
Yes. Through our partnerships with Downsizing Divas, senior-focused movers, estate lawyers, and organizers, we manage every aspect of the transition. You'll have one point of contact to manage all vendors.
What Toronto neighbourhoods work best for downsizing?
It depends on your priorities. Yonge & Eglinton for walkability. Summerhill for a quieter midtown feel. The Beaches for lifestyle. Lawrence Park or Leaside, if you want to stay in a house. We tour all of these with you based on what matters most in your life.
Is it smart to downsize your home for retirement?
For most homeowners, yes. Downsizing your home for retirement frees up equity to fund your lifestyle, reduces monthly carrying costs, and eliminates the physical burden of maintaining a larger property. The key is timing it right and working with someone who understands the financial and emotional sides of the transition. We walk you through the numbers so you can decide with confidence.
How long does it take to downsize a home in Toronto?
The full process typically takes 3 to 6 months from initial decision to moving day. A focused seller with a market-ready home can complete both transactions in roughly 90 days. A more complex situation (estate involvement, extensive belongings, or a specific target neighbourhood) may take 5 to 6 months. We build a timeline specific to your situation in the first consultation.
What should I look for in a Toronto downsizing realtor?
Three things: credentials specific to life-stage transitions (the SRES designation is the industry standard), a service model that goes beyond the transaction (staging, move coordination, a vendor network), and a verifiable track record with downsizing clients specifically. Ask how many downsizing clients they've worked with, whether staging is included, and who manages the moving parts after your listing goes live.
What are the tax implications of downsizing a home in Ontario?
Your primary residence is exempt from capital gains tax in Canada when you sell. This is the principal residence exemption. If you've lived in your home for the entire period of ownership, you pay no tax on the sale proceeds. You will pay Ontario and Toronto land transfer tax on your next purchase (calculators are available at Ontario.ca). Legal fees, moving costs, and real estate commissions are transaction costs, not tax deductions in Canada. Consult your accountant before closing, especially if you used any portion of the home for business or rental income, which may affect the exemption.
How much equity can you unlock by downsizing in Toronto?
The amount depends on the price gap between your current home and your next property, minus transaction costs. As of October 2026, a Leaside or Lawrence Park detached home selling in the $2M to $3.5M range and replacing it with a Yonge & Eglinton or Summerhill condo in the $700K to $1.2M range could free $800K to $2.5M in equity after transaction costs. Transaction costs typically total 3 to 5% of the combined sale and purchase values. Othen Group calculates a personalized net equity projection in the first consultation. No obligation, no estimate without real numbers.
What does downsizing support in Toronto include?
Downsizing support from a full-service team like Othen Group covers every stage of the transition: a free home valuation and equity estimate; professional staging at no cost; decluttering, packing, and contents coordination through Downsizing Divas; a vetted vendor network of estate lawyers, senior-focused movers, organizers, and financial advisors; buyer representation for the next home; and aligned closing dates so you move once cleanly. You make decisions. We coordinate the rest. Call 416-486-8282 to learn what this looks like for your situation.
What are downsizing realtors, and what do they do?
Downsizing realtors specialize in the distinct challenges of life-stage property transitions, while general sales agents may help a client downsize. The practical difference: a downsizing realtor holds credentials like the SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) designation, has a vendor network for staging, decluttering, moving, and legal coordination, and structures both the sale and the purchase to minimize the stress and cost of moving between two properties simultaneously. Othen Group, led by Jacquie Othen SRES, is one of Toronto's dedicated downsizing practices, with more than 15 years of experience, 90+ five-star Google reviews, and free professional staging on every listing.
How can I get help with downsizing my home in Toronto?
The fastest way to get help with downsizing in Toronto is to call Othen Group at 416-486-8282 for a free, no-obligation 20-minute consultation. In that call, Jacquie Othen walks through what your home is worth today, what equity you could unlock, and what the full transition would look like on your timeline. If it's a fit, we build a personalized plan covering staging, decluttering, listing, your next-home search, and move coordination. No commitment required at any stage. Just a clear picture of your options before you decide on anything.
What is a retirement downsizing strategy in Toronto?
A retirement downsizing strategy in Toronto typically involves three decisions made in the right order: (1) establish how much equity your current home holds and what a realistic next home costs, to confirm the financial case for moving; (2) identify the right neighbourhood and property type for your retirement lifestyle, including walkability, transit, proximity to family, building amenities, and low-maintenance living; (3) time the transaction to align with your retirement date, health timeline, or family circumstances. Othen Group builds this strategy in the first free consultation, including a net equity projection and a list of target properties in Toronto neighbourhoods that match your priorities.
What are the best downsizing services in Toronto?
The best downsizing services in Toronto combine real estate expertise with full transition support. Othen Group offers SRES-certified representation led by Jacquie Othen; free professional staging through Kelly Allan Design; decluttering and move management through Downsizing Divas; a vetted vendor network of movers, estate lawyers, and financial advisors; and buyer representation for your next home, built around your specific lifestyle requirements. As of October 2026, Othen Group has 90+ five-star Google reviews, a 15-year track record in Toronto's midtown and east-end corridors, and a no-pressure approach built for life-stage moves.
Ready to Figure Out Your Next Move?
One conversation gives you real clarity: what your home is worth today, your options, and what the transition could look like on your timeline. No obligation. If it's not the right time, that's fine too.
Not quite ready to talk? Start with our Free Downsizing Guide: a clear, honest walkthrough of the full process, costs, and timeline.
Jacquie Othen, Sales Representative. Real Broker Ontario Ltd., Brokerage.