At The Halyard Group, we understand that family needs are at the heart of home upsizing decisions.
As families grow and evolve, so do their requirements for living space, functionality, and location.
This blog post explores the key factors that influence home upsizing choices, from expanding living areas to considering multigenerational living arrangements.
Why Do Growing Families Need More Space?
Growing families often find themselves in need of more space as their living requirements change. This chapter explores the key factors that drive families to upsize their homes and how these factors impact housing decisions.
The Bedroom Dilemma
As families expand, the need for additional bedrooms becomes paramount. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms represented a whopping 89% (582,000) of the house plans built in 2015, with 3-bedroom homes accounting for 42%. This trend reflects the growing demand for separate sleeping spaces for children, guests, or home offices.
A family with two children sharing a room might find that as the kids grow older, they require their own spaces for privacy and study. This often prompts the search for a home with at least three bedrooms (if not more).
Bathroom Bottlenecks
Bathrooms become a critical factor in upsizing decisions alongside bedrooms. The morning rush to get ready for school and work can turn chaotic with limited bathroom access.
The addition of an extra bathroom or two can significantly improve family dynamics and daily routines. Many families seek homes with a master ensuite, a shared kids’ bathroom, and a powder room for guests.
Living Areas That Breathe
Children’s need for space to play, study, and socialize grows as they do. Open-concept living areas have gained popularity among families for their versatility. These spaces allow parents to keep an eye on younger children while preparing meals or working from home.
Eco-friendly, innovative, and minimalist designs are among the top home design trends in 2023, inspiring families to transform their spaces. This might include a living room that doubles as a playroom or a dining area that transforms into a homework station.
The Great Outdoors
The importance of outdoor spaces for growing families cannot be underestimated. A backyard provides a safe environment for children to play, exercise, and explore nature. It also offers adults a place to relax and entertain.
Families should consider both immediate and future outdoor needs when upsizing. A spacious yard might accommodate a swing set now and a vegetable garden or pool later.
As families contemplate these space requirements, they must also consider how their lifestyle changes impact home functionality. The next chapter will explore how evolving work patterns and multigenerational living arrangements influence upsizing decisions.
How Lifestyle Changes Reshape Home Needs
The Home Office Revolution
The shift towards remote work has transformed spare bedrooms and dining nooks into essential workspaces. A Gallup survey revealed that 45% of full-time U.S. employees worked from home either all or part of the time in September 2021. This trend pushes families to seek homes with dedicated office spaces or flexible rooms that serve dual purposes.
When upsizing, families should prioritize homes with separate home offices or bonus rooms that convert into workspaces. Features like built-in shelving, ample natural light, and soundproofing create optimal work environments. Some families even opt for homes with two office spaces to accommodate multiple remote workers (a trend that has gained significant traction in recent years).
Embracing Multigenerational Living
The number of Canadians living in multigenerational households has skyrocketed, reaching 2.4 million in 2021 (according to Vanier Institute of the Family). This demographic shift fuels demand for homes with separate living quarters or in-law suites.
Families who upsize to accommodate extended family members should consider homes with finished basements, detached guest houses, or floor plans that allow for privacy and independence. Features like separate entrances, kitchenettes, and full bathrooms create comfortable living spaces for aging parents or adult children.
Future-Proofing with Aging-in-Place Features
As families plan for the future, they increasingly consider homes that accommodate changing mobility needs. According to a recent study, baby boomers account for 42% of all home buyers, which influences home design and renovation choices.
Upsizing families should look for homes with single-story layouts or first-floor master suites. Features like wide doorways, lever-style door handles, and step-free entryways make aging in place easier. Bathrooms with walk-in showers and grab bars have also become more popular among forward-thinking homebuyers.
Flexible Spaces for Changing Needs
Modern families value versatility in their living spaces. Open floor plans allow for easy reconfiguration as needs change. A playroom today might become a teen hangout tomorrow, or a guest room could transform into a home gym.
When upsizing, families should consider homes with adaptable spaces that can evolve with their changing lifestyle. Bonus rooms, lofts, and finished basements offer excellent opportunities for customization and future-proofing your home investment.
The next chapter will explore how location factors (such as proximity to schools, amenities, and transportation options) influence upsizing decisions and complement these lifestyle considerations.
Where Should You Upsize Your Home?
School District Considerations
The quality of education plays a pivotal role in home upsizing decisions for families. First-time buyers decreased to 24% of the market share, marking the lowest share since NAR began collecting data in 1981. To make an informed choice, you should research school ratings, visit campuses, and speak with local parents. High-rated school districts often correlate with increased property values (a potential long-term investment benefit).
Family-Friendly Amenities
Access to parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities significantly enhances family life. Access to parks and green spaces offers especially strong health benefits for people with low incomes-those most likely to be in poor health. When you upsize, search for neighbourhoods with ample green spaces, community centers, and sports facilities. These amenities provide opportunities for physical activity and foster a strong sense of community.
Commute Times and Transportation
Long commutes negatively impact family time and overall well-being. Each extra minute of commuting time reduces both job and leisure time satisfaction – though not overall life satisfaction. When you choose a location for your upsized home, consider the proximity to workplaces and the availability of public transportation options. Many families now prioritize walkable neighborhoods to reduce car dependency for daily errands.
Neighbourhood Safety
Safety ranks high on the list of priorities for families looking to upsize. Research crime statistics, speak with local law enforcement, and observe the neighbourhood at different times of day to gauge its safety level. Safe neighbourhoods often feature well-lit streets, active community watch programs, and a visible police presence.
Future Development Plans
The area’s future development plans can significantly impact your long-term satisfaction with your new home. Investigate local zoning laws, upcoming construction projects, and community development initiatives. These factors can affect property values, traffic patterns, and the overall character of the neighbourhood in the years to come.
Final Thoughts
Upsizing your home requires careful consideration of various factors that affect your family’s quality of life. Family needs drive the upsizing process, from additional bedrooms to outdoor spaces for growing children. Lifestyle changes, such as remote work and multigenerational living, reshape home requirements and influence the features you should prioritize.
Location plays a vital role in the upsizing decision, with school quality, family-friendly amenities, and commute times influencing neighbourhood choice. Safety and future development plans in the area also impact long-term satisfaction with your new home. Professional guidance can help you navigate these complexities and find a home that meets your specific family needs.
The Halyard Group specializes in helping families in the Greater Toronto Area upsize to larger homes. We offer support throughout the entire process, from selling your current home to finding your ideal new residence (tailored to your unique requirements). Our personalized approach ensures we understand your family needs and find a home that enhances your quality of life.
Contact us today to start your upsizing journey with expert guidance and a trusted team by your side.
