If you’re thinking about downsizing from your current home to something smaller but aren’t sure where you want to live next, this blog is for you. Speaking broadly, when most homeowners decide to make the transition to something smaller, they go with a condo – and for good reason. Condos offer a long list of conveniences that can make the next chapter of your life much more enjoyable. 

That said, condos aren’t always an attractive option to all downsizers – at least right away. As real estate agents who directly specialize in helping downsizers, we often get asked if townhouses are equally as suitable for homeowners entering their golden years. 99% of the time, we say No. 

So why aren’t townhouses a good fit for most downsizers? Keep reading to find out. 

Are you helping a parent or loved one downsize? Click here to read our blog post on selling a family member’s home for them.

Why Shouldn’t You Downsize to a Townhouse?

On paper, it’s easy to see why a townhome might work well for downsizers. As a mid-size property that’s somewhere in between a full-blown house and a condo, it may seem like the perfect compromise for someone who wants to downsize but isn’t quite sold on the idea of a traditional condo. In reality, townhouses simply aren’t practical for downsizers and in many cases, they can even be dangerous. 

All About Accessibility 

The main reason why townhouses don’t work well for downsizers is accessibility. To be more specific, stairs. Typically, townhouses are slender, multi-storey homes with key areas and rooms separated across different floors. As a result, homeowners are constantly going up and down stairs – even more so than in an average detached home. Where this becomes a concern is with age. 

From an accessibility standpoint, stairs aren’t just an inconvenience – they’re a hazard. Unfortunately, stair-related accidents are more common than you may think. In fact, stairs are the number one thing that takes older Canadians out of their homes. 

As you approach your downsize, it’s best to limit the number of stairs in your next come. In contrast to townhouses, life in a condo greatly reduces how often you’ll need to use stairs as every room in your home will be on the same floor. 

Preparing to downsize your home? Have a look at these blogs next!

• How to Have Your Home on the Market in One Month
• Managing a Multiple Offer Scenario
• Staging Your Home to Sell: Should You Hire a Professional?

Downsizing In 1 Step, Not 2

While it’s not uncommon for downsizers in their sixties or seventies to feel comfortable with using stairs multiple times a day, it’s important to be realistic and forethinking about how that may change with time. 

You may be thinking, is that really such a big deal? What if I simply move out of the townhouse when I no longer feel comfortable using the stairs? 

Unfortunately, It’s not that easy. When you factor in buying, selling, and every step in between, moving is a big process, one that’s both physically and emotionally demanding. As we like to say – moving ages you five years. 

So, if you’re still thinking about downsizing to a townhouse, you should ask yourself, will I want to go through the entire downsizing process again when I’m 90? Take it from a team that has helped countless seniors transition to a new home – you won’t.

At the end of the day, it’s far easier to downsize once instead of twice. 

Downsizing With Mutch Property Group

If you’re looking for a specialized team of real estate professionals who can guide you through a smooth downsize, we’re here to help. With decades of combined experience working with seniors and older homeowners, we have the downsizing process down to a science. 

Beyond just buying and selling, our full-service approach can help you downsize without lifting a finger. From decluttering your current home to getting it market-ready, packing, hiring movers, and more, we’ll go the extra mile to make things easier for you and your family – all while managing your downsize from start to finish. 

Searching for a full-service real estate team to guide you through a smooth downsize? Call us at 416-903-3695 or send us an email at team@mutchpropertygroup.com.