October 7th, 2024 | Lifestyle

How to Downsize From One Home to Two

How to Downsize From One Home to Two

For some homeowners who are approaching their golden years, the prospect of trading their larger, no longer suitable family home for a pair of smaller, more dynamic properties is vastly appealing.

Holding multiple properties allows for the expansion of one’s lifestyle, ensuring an enriching life chapter that is nearly free from sacrifice. However, from a real estate perspective, this type of transition requires mindful consideration as rushed or improper processes may lead to a faulty or taxing move.

In this article, we will offer informed insights for homeowners who are eager to downsize from one home to two. Continue reading to learn more.

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An All-Encompassing Lifestyle

On paper, the concept of owning two properties rather than one may seem impractical or unnecessary. However, in the case of downsizing, this transition can be uniquely advantageous.

During this type of downsizing, the two homes acquired are far from identical – each offering a diverse collection of advantages and charms. Therefore, the end product of this transition is a seamless lifestyle with little (if any) concession for the downsized.


Accomplishing a seamless downsize requires foundational insights regarding this unique type of transition. Explore the related resources from our site.


Two Homes in Harmony

Finding two homes that complement one another optimally requires thoughtful consideration. For downsizers, the acquisition of each property must not be indiscriminate. Rather, each home will play an immensely important role in a carefully curated lifestyle, serving distinctive and separate purposes.

Your Anchor & Foundation

One property will be your ‘local’ mainstay. Most often, this space is not far from your long-held family home. It could be a modern condominium in Toronto’s midtown or perhaps a smaller, more compact heritage home in the city centre.

This property is a comforting and familiar nest to return home to – close to loved ones, long-beloved local haunts, and various essential services. Its security offers a robust foundation for curiosity and exploration in other real estate ventures.

Beyond the homely warmth and pragmatic lifestyle granted by this property, it is also a critical asset in your portfolio. Other markets both domestic and international can be volatile, however, given the city’s unique position and consistent population growth, real estate in Toronto makes for an exceptional investment.

Your Worldly Gateway

Your next property is the pied-à-terre, an inspired, lifestyle-elevating adobe found in a secondary locale. Ensuring ordinary days feel like luxurious and transformative getaways, this home is thoughtfully matched to your idyllic future.

The ​​pied-à-terre is a canvas for personal taste and vision. As a downsizer, you are bound only by your imagination. Consider these points of example and inspiration:

  • A charming, invariably sunny Caribbean bungalow complete with a private beach.
  • A sprawling four-season cottage tucked away in the immersive and awe-inspiring Canadian shield.
  • A sophisticated and upscale flat appealingly located in one of Paris’s most fashionable enclaves.

A Downsizer’s Compass

For downsizers, choosing the right estate professional to work with is paramount, however, it is especially critical when you are navigating a transition from one home to two. While navigating a single real estate transition can be complex, this journey will entail a total of three. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to select an agent who not only understands the intricacies of downsizing but also has the extramural knowledge of real estate beyond Toronto.

At Armin Group, our expertise is unbound by the standard parameters of Toronto’s market. We have vast experience supporting downsizers purchasing property locally, across Canada, and abroad.

Market-Spanning Connections

Beyond an agent’s individual expertise, it is essential that they boast global partnerships to ensure you are able to find and acquire your dream property wherever it may be.

Armin Group is exclusively affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. With over 1,100 offices in 83 countries worldwide, Sotheby’s International Realty totals more than $143 Billion in annual sales volume. No other brand offers downsizers the same degree of access to real estate inventory worldwide.

Along with our comprehensive and strategic approach to buying and selling, our clients leverage the power of Sotheby’s global brand during their downsizing journey.


Maximizing your financial prowess as a downsizer begins with a calculated, high-result home sale. Browse these related readings for further advice on selling your home.


Downsizing With Armin Group

For discerning downsizers, Armin Group’s end-to-end service and market-leading expertise make a seamless fit.

As leaders in Toronto’s dynamic real estate market, our elevated industry profile, affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, and refined strategies for buying and selling ensure you find success in any market condition. Beyond just results, Armin Group is known for our professionalism and dedication to delivering a superior level of service for downsizers. Our unsurpassed familiarity with the local market and in-depth understanding of Toronto’s communities culminates in a forward-thinking approach to real estate, with unmatched results.

Downsizing your home? Armin Group can guide you through a hands-on, sophisticated real estate journey. Reach us by email at armingroup@sothebysrealty.ca or call 416-347-4061.

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