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Downsizing in Ottawa | Hyams Real Estate Group
Hyams Real Estate Group · Ottawa

Downsizing in Ottawa:
Right-Sizing Your Next Chapter

Downsizing is one of the most significant moves you'll make — and one of the most rewarding when it's done right. Whether you're an empty nester in Kanata ready to trade square footage for simplicity, or a retiree in Nepean looking to unlock equity and reduce overhead, the Ottawa market has strong options for buyers and sellers in transition. At Hyams Real Estate Group, we help clients move from a home that no longer fits to one that genuinely does — without the stress of figuring it out alone. We know Ottawa's neighbourhoods, price points, and timing windows. Our job is to make this feel like a fresh start, not a loss.

Ready to start the conversation? 613-791-7760 | [email protected]

Why work with us

Coordinated Timing, No Gap-Living

We align your sale and purchase so you're not caught between two homes — or paying two mortgages. Our team manages both sides of your move on a timeline that works for your life.

Pricing Strategy That Maximizes Your Equity

You've built significant value in your current home. We price it to attract serious buyers fast — using current Ottawa market data, not guesswork — so you leave nothing on the table.

Local Knowledge Across Ottawa Neighbourhoods

From Barrhaven bungalows to Westboro condos to Rockcliffe townhomes — we know where downsizers are landing, what communities offer, and how to match your lifestyle to the right address.

Trusted Vendor Network, Ready to Go

Decluttering help, movers, estate sale support, lawyers, and mortgage specialists — we connect you to professionals we've worked with and trust, so you're not sourcing everything from scratch.

How it works

1
Start with a Conversation

We sit down with you — no pressure, no pitch — to understand your timeline, your goals, and what "right-sizing" actually looks like for you. We cover financial considerations, neighbourhood preferences, and what you want your day-to-day life to feel like in your next home.

2
Sell Smart, Buy with Confidence

We prepare your home for market with targeted staging guidance and a pricing strategy built on Ottawa-specific data. Simultaneously, we actively search for your next property — so you're ready to move when the right home appears, not scrambling after your sale closes.

3
Close, Move, Settle In

We manage the details from accepted offers through to keys-in-hand — coordinating lawyers, conditions, and closing dates. After the move, we're still available. We want to know you landed somewhere you love.

Frequently asked questions

There's no single right answer, but most clients start seriously thinking about it when maintenance becomes burdensome, rooms go unused, or financial goals shift. We recommend reaching out 6–12 months before you'd like to move — that runway gives us time to prepare your home properly and find the right property without pressure.
It depends on your financial situation, risk tolerance, and current market conditions. In most cases, we recommend selling first — it gives you a firm budget and removes the pressure of carrying two properties. That said, we know Ottawa's inventory well and can help you move quickly on the right purchase when the time comes. We'll walk you through both scenarios before you decide.
It varies widely based on lifestyle. Westboro and Hintonburg attract downsizers who want walkability and urban energy. Barrhaven and Kanata offer quiet, well-maintained communities with strong condo and bungalow inventory. The Glebe and Old Ottawa South appeal to those who want character and proximity to the Rideau Canal. We'll help you narrow it down based on what matters most to you.
This is one of the biggest stressors for downsizers — and it's completely normal. We can connect you with professional organizers, estate sale coordinators, and donation services we trust. You don't have to figure this out alone before your home hits the market. In fact, we'll advise on what to declutter first to make the biggest impact when buyers walk through.
If the home you're selling has been your principal residence, you're generally exempt from capital gains tax in Canada. That said, every situation is different — especially if the property has been rented or used for business purposes. We always recommend speaking with a qualified accountant or tax advisor before finalizing any decisions. We're happy to refer you to professionals we work with regularly.

Ready to talk about your next move?

Ottawa families and retirees trust us to make downsizing straightforward. Let's start with a no-obligation conversation about what's possible for you.

Book a Free Consultation
613-791-7760 | [email protected]
No commitment required. Just a conversation.