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Rightsizing in 2026: Move Smarter, Live Better

Let's Dive In

The holidays tend to expose the truth about your home:
• Not enough space for guests?
• Too much house for your needs now?
• Or maybe it just doesn’t feel right anymore?

Whether you're craving less upkeep, more room, or simply a space that fits your lifestyle today — rightsizing doesn’t always mean selling. It means realigning your home with your life — and that could mean buying, selling, renovating, or even re-purposing the home you already own.

Let’s break down your options — and the tools that can make them happen.

🔻 DOWNSIZING: LESS HOUSE, MORE FREEDOM

If your current home feels like a lot of upkeep with not a lot of return, downsizing could free up your equity, simplify your life, and get you closer to what matters most.

Signs it’s time to downsize:

  • You’re not using full floors or spaces

  • Maintenance feels overwhelming

  • You’d rather trade space for lifestyle

  • You want to unlock home equity (without selling stocks or savings)

Great options in 2026:
• Bungalows and condos with low maintenance
• Adult-lifestyle communities
• New-build townhomes in walkable areas
• Homes closer to family, healthcare, or travel routes

🔺 UPSIZING: ROOM TO BREATHE (AND GROW)

Feel like your home is bursting at the seams? Whether your family is growing, you’re hosting more, or just craving a bit more breathing room, upsizing can give you the flexibility you’re missing.

Smart upsizing moves include:

  • Homes with in-law suites or finished basements

  • Bigger kitchens for entertaining

  • Space for a home office or home-based business

  • A yard or outdoor area that suits your lifestyle

🔧 RENOVATING INSTEAD OF MOVING

Sometimes, you don’t need a new house — just a better version of the one you have.

Before you list, ask:
Can a thoughtful renovation make this home work better for me?

Examples:

  • Open-concept kitchen or main-floor bath for accessibility

  • Convert an unused rec room into a guest suite or rental

  • Add a mudroom, storage, or home office

  • Improve flow with layout updates or cosmetic upgrades

💡 Renovating can:

  • Save you thousands in moving expenses

  • Increase your home’s future resale value

  • Give you custom functionality without the stress of moving

🏠 INCOME SUITES: TURNING YOUR HOME INTO A WEALTH-BUILDER

Another strategic move? Adding an income-generating unit to your home.

This could be a basement apartment, garden suite, or converted garage — all of which are gaining momentum in many Ontario municipalities, especially with new zoning reforms in 2026.

Benefits:

  • Monthly rental income to support retirement

  • Helps cover property taxes, utilities, or travel

  • Boosts long-term property value

  • Allows you to age in place with extra financial support

💡 I can connect you with local contractors and zoning experts to see if your property qualifies — and how much value it could add.

💰 FINANCIAL TOOLS TO MAKE IT ALL POSSIBLE

Whether you’re renovating, moving, or building an income suite, here are tools that can make your rightsizing journey smarter and more financially flexible:

🏦 Manulife One Account

A flexible all-in-one mortgage and banking solution that gives you access to your home’s equity — ideal for renovations, managing cash flow, or bridging between homes.

🔁 Port Your Mortgage

Keep your great rate even when you move — especially valuable in a higher rate environment.

🧓 Reverse Mortgage (CHIP)

For homeowners 55+, unlock tax-free cash from your home equity with no monthly payments — great for downsizers or those staying put but needing income.

💳 HELOC / Refinance

Tap into your current home’s equity to fund renos, build an income unit, or make a move.

💼 Down Payment Assistance

Yes — some local and provincial programs are still active in 2026 for qualified buyers, including those upsizing or downsizing within specific thresholds.

📦 MOVE, RENOVATE, OR REINVENT?

Whether you need more space, less maintenance, or extra income — rightsizing is about options. My job is to help you understand all of them, with no pressure — just smart planning.

I’m happy to help.

Book a free, no‑pressure strategy call.

— Simon Royer

Realtor® Remax Icon Realty

226-218-6875