Apr 23, 2026
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Relatively few Canadians are planning to downsize in the coming years, even as the country’s population ages — and a lack of suitable housing may be a key reason why.
That’s according to a new report from RE/MAX Canada, which found that just 10% of Canadians say they plan to move to a smaller home within the next decade.
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“While downsizing won’t happen all at once, the direction is clear,” said Don Kottick, president of RE/MAX Canada, in a statement. "Canada's aging population will undoubtedly shift demand and availability of housing over time, but progress will depend on improving access to housing that meets seniors' needs."
Few plan to move, even as population ages
Canada’s changing demographic is playing a key role in housing market shifts. Citing a 2024 Statistics Canada report, RE/MAX notes that nearly one in five Canadians are now over 65, with that figure expected to rise to roughly one in four by 2030.
Typically, that trend leads to more downsizing, as homeowners look for smaller or more manageable living arrangements.
But the RE/MAX data points to a slower transition in Canada. Even among those aged 65 and older, just 16% say they plan to move to a smaller home within the next 10 years, while 46% say they intend to stay where they are.
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Lack of suitable homes is a major barrier
According to the survey from RE/MAX, nearly half of Canadians (49%) say there is low availability of downsizing options in their communities, while another 8% say there are none at all. That concern is even more pronounced among those most likely to consider moving, with 65% reporting limited or no availability.
“We’re seeing many homeowners who would consider downsizing, but they’re struggling to find suitable options in their communities,” Kottick said. “Without sufficient inventory, many are choosing to stay in their homes longer.”
For many households, downsizing isn’t just about moving into a smaller space. It often means finding a home that is accessible, well-located and suited to long-term needs — options that can be hard to find in many markets.
What this means for the housing market
Downsizing is often seen as part of the housing market’s natural cycle, helping free up larger homes for younger buyers. But when those moves don’t happen, supply can remain tight.
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At the same time, demand continues to build. The survey found that 23% of Canadians aged 18 to 34 plan to buy their first home within the next decade.
There’s also little consensus on how much downsizing would help. About one-third of Canadians (34%) believe it would make it easier for younger buyers to enter the market, while others say it would have little impact or could even make things more difficult.
Even among those considering downsizing, hesitation is common. Nearly three-quarters say they’re concerned about their options, including about one in three who are very concerned.
“Downsizing is an important factor in the natural churn of the housing market,” Kottick said. “Without it, many homeowners may delay or abandon their moving plans entirely.”
The outlook suggests any broader shift toward downsizing is likely to unfold gradually — and may depend as much on the types of homes being built as on the number of people willing to move.
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Steven Brennan is a freelance finance writer based in Vancouver, BC. He holds a BA and an MA from Maynooth University, Ireland. His work regularly appears at Canadian Mortgage Trends, Lowest Rates, Loans Canada and other Canadian and US brands, while also working as a ghostwriter for financial influencers.
