Upgrade your home without downgrading your sanity. Thinking of moving from a condo or townhome to a detached home in Greater Vancouver? This move-up guide blends strategy, local insight, and visual tools to help you plan smart.
What This Means for You
If you’re a condo or townhome owner in Greater Vancouver, chances are you’re wondering:
“Should we make the jump to a house — or wait it out?”
Here’s the truth: You don’t need to time the market perfectly. You need to time your life wisely.
As a local real estate advisor, I’ve helped dozens of families in your exact position — wanting more space, freedom, and long-term value — without sacrificing their sanity.
This guide is designed for you:
✅ You’ve built equity
✅ You’re thinking long-term
✅ You’re craving more room, more privacy, or more options
Let’s break it down : How to Know You're Ready to Move Up ?
You may already know — but here are the signs I look for when working with clients:
a. Your current space feels tight
b. You’ve built healthy equity in your condo or townhome
c. You want more privacy, a backyard, or a suite for family/income
d. You're thinking about your next 5–10 years — not just today
You find yourself browsing detached listings more than you’d admit.
If you’re nodding, you’re not alone. And you’re likely closer than you think.
Should You Buy First or Sell First?
This is the biggest stressor for most move-up buyers. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, here’s a visual guide to help you start thinking: 👇 Use This to Assess Your Situation:
Michael’s Perspective: In today’s Vancouver market, many of my clients choose to sell first with a longer closing. This gives you the financial flexibility to shop without stress — and makes your offer on the next home stronger. But every move-up plan is personal. We’ll build yours around your finances, your timeline, and your risk comfort.
The 5-Step Move-Up Plan
This is the strategy I walk through with every move-up client:
1. Run the Numbers
Know your net equity and pre-approval range
Budget for moving costs, legal fees, and transition support
Include a cushion for overlap months or storage
2. Prep Your Home for Sale
Stage and refresh key areas (kitchens, flooring, lighting)
Price to attract attention — not chase the top
Market to younger families or first-time buyers
3. Scout Detached Opportunities
Target lifestyle fits: schools, commute, community
Don’t just “go bigger” — go smarter
Look for resale factors: lot, layout, laneway/suite potential
4. Pick Your Sequence
Sell first and negotiate a longer possession
Buy first if you’ve secured bridge financing or income buffer
Explore subject-to-sale options (still viable in some areas)
5. Align with Life Events
School start dates, lease timelines, career shifts
Create a moving calendar that reduces stress
Consider interim rentals or rent-backs if needed
📥 Receive the Full Strategy+
📞 Let’s Talk Strategy
Whether you're just starting to plan or ready to make a move this year or next, your strategy matters. No pressure, no hard pitch — just honest advice based on local expertise. Book your private strategy session or use the form below to stay up to date.
Final Word; Moving up is about more than space. It’s about freedom, future-proofing, and building the life you’ve earned.
Let’s make it a move you feel confident about — from the first showing to the last box unpacked.
