5 Signs You’re Ready to Upsize Your Home in Ottawa (And How to Do It Right)
Thinking about making a move to a bigger space? You're not alone. As life changes—whether you're growing your family, working from home, or just feeling a little cramped—it might be time to start looking for a home that fits your lifestyle. But how do you know when it’s really time to upsize?
Here are five signs you’re ready to upgrade, and how to make that next move with confidence in the Ottawa market.
1. Your Space Feels Tight—All the Time
If your dining table is doubling as a home office, storage bins are creeping into your living space, or you’ve started dreaming of a walk-in closet instead of just a closet... your current home may be holding you back. As your lifestyle evolves, so should your space.
Ottawa Tip: Many growing families in Ottawa are finding great value in established neighbourhoods like Alta Vista, Barrhaven, and Orleans—where homes often come with more square footage and backyard space.
2. You’ve Built Equity in Your Current Home
If you’ve owned your current place for a few years, chances are you’ve built up some equity—especially with how much Ottawa prices have risen since 2019. That equity can become your down payment on a larger property.
What to do: Get a market evaluation from a local real estate professional (like us!) and talk to your mortgage advisor about how much purchasing power you really have.
3. You’re Financially Stable Enough to Handle the Jump
Upsizing isn’t just about buying a bigger house—it usually means higher monthly expenses too. If your income has increased, your debt is under control, and you’ve got some savings tucked away, you might be in a great position to make the leap.
4. You’re Spending More Time at Home—and It’s Taking a Toll
Working remotely? Raising kids? Hosting family more often? The way we live has changed—and if you’re spending more time inside than you used to, your space needs to support that. A bigger kitchen, a finished basement, or a dedicated office could completely transform your day-to-day.
Look for: Homes with flex space—like dens, finished basements, or multi-purpose rooms—especially in up-and-coming neighbourhoods like Riverside South or Findlay Creek.
5. You’re Thinking About the Long Term
If you’re starting to picture your future in a place with room to grow, that’s a strong signal you’re ready to upsize. Maybe you want to stay in the same school zone, or maybe you’re eyeing a new neighbourhood with better amenities or a stronger sense of community.
Ottawa Insight: Family-friendly areas like Kanata and Stittsville are known for good schools, newer homes, and access to parks, trails, and sports complexes—making them great long-term options.
Ready to Upsize?
At New Purveyors, we specialize in helping buyers navigate the sell-to-buy process. We’ll help you figure out the best time to list your current home, what your ideal budget should look like, and how to find the right property that fits both your wish list and your lifestyle.
Let’s talk about what moving up looks like for you.
Reach out today to get a personalized plan for upsizing in Ottawa.
