At some point, every family hits that moment when the walls start to feel a little closer, the playroom turns into a storage room, and the thought of a bigger backyard sounds more like a necessity than a dream.
For many Greater Toronto Area homeowners, that’s when the idea of upsizing begins to take shape. But not every move to a larger home looks the same. Families upsize for different reasons – more space, better schools, changing life stages, or the desire to live closer (or farther) from extended family.
Understanding which category of “family upsizers” you fall into can make the difference between finding a bigger house and finding the right home. Here’s how to know which one fits you best – and the types of homes and neighbourhoods that tend to work for each.
1. The Growing Family Upsizer
Why they’re upsizing
These are the families whose current homes simply can’t keep up. Maybe a baby has turned into a toddler, or kids now need separate rooms. Maybe you’ve been stepping over toys in the hallway or hosting birthday parties in the kitchen.
For the growing family, space isn’t just a want – it’s an investment in comfort and sanity.
What they’re looking for
Family upsizers in this category look for extra bedrooms, more functional layouts, and family-friendly neighbourhoods top the list. Homes with open-concept main floors and direct sightlines from kitchen to play area are especially popular, as are fenced backyards, finished basements, and quiet side streets.
In Toronto, communities like East York, Bloor West Village, and Birch Cliff often attract growing families. They offer character homes with livable space, access to reputable schools, and neighbourhood parks within walking distance.
Smart move
When touring homes, growing families should think beyond today’s space needs. A basement that doubles as a playroom today can later serve as a teen hangout or home gym. Choosing a flexible floor plan helps the home evolve as your family does.
2. The Multigenerational Upsizer
Why they’re upsizing
More families are welcoming multiple generations under one roof – adult children returning home, grandparents moving in, or extended family pooling resources. The motivation might be financial, cultural, or simply the desire to stay close and connected.
According to Statistics Canada, multigenerational living has grown steadily over the past decade as housing affordability and lifestyle priorities change. For many, it’s an opportunity to blend family support with independence.
What they’re looking for
Family upsizers in this category look for homes that balance shared living with privacy. Separate entrances, in-law suites, or finished basements with kitchens are ideal. So are homes with main-floor bedrooms for aging parents, and outdoor spaces that encourage gathering without feeling crowded.
Neighbourhoods with community amenities – libraries, health clinics, transit, and green space – often top the wish list. Areas like Don Mills, The Junction, and Scarborough Bluffs offer larger lots and homes that lend themselves well to multi-suite conversions.
Smart move
Before buying, talk through household logistics: parking, shared expenses, and future plans. Choosing a layout that can adapt – such as a two-unit home or one with a basement apartment – gives families options as needs change.
For inspiration, see our guide to co-upsizing with a sibling, a growing trend that shows how creative shared ownership can work beautifully for modern families.
3. The Lifestyle-Upgrade Upsizer
Why they’re upsizing
This group of family upsizers aren’t necessarily out of space – they’re out of alignment. Their current home doesn’t match the life they’ve built. Maybe one parent now works from home, the family wants more outdoor space, or there’s a desire for better schools or shorter commutes.
For lifestyle-focused upsizers, the goal is quality of life, not just square footage.
What they’re looking for
Family upsizers in this category look for homes that make daily living easier – dedicated home offices, mudrooms, larger kitchens, and modern layouts. Proximity to top schools, walkable shops, and family-oriented amenities often drive the search.
Neighbourhoods like Leaside, Davisville Village, and Riverdale frequently attract lifestyle upsizers seeking central convenience with a community feel.
Smart move
Before you start touring listings, clarify why your current home no longer fits. Is it the location, layout, or lifestyle it supports? Knowing your “why” will keep you focused on homes that truly align with what matters most to your family.
4. The Strategic Upsizer
Why they’re upsizing
Some families upsize not out of necessity, but with the future in mind. They’re thinking ahead – buying a larger home now while interest rates and market conditions still work in their favour.
Family upsizers in this category see real estate as both a lifestyle choice and a financial strategy. Maybe they plan to accommodate adult children later, convert part of the home into an income suite, or leverage the extra space for future flexibility.
What they’re looking for
Properties with strong resale potential and adaptability. Detached homes with legal secondary units, corner lots with room to expand, or homes in emerging neighbourhoods where values are climbing.
Areas like Clanton Park, Scarborough, and Yorkdale-Glen Park appeal to strategic upsizers who value long-term equity growth alongside day-to-day comfort.
Smart move
Work with a specialized local realtor to analyze local trends and zoning potential. In some parts of Toronto, adding a garden suite or basement apartment could significantly increase your home’s value and create future income flexibility.
Strategic upsizers tend to see their home as both sanctuary and strategy – one that grows with them financially and personally.
How to Know Which Type You Are
Most families don’t fit neatly into one category of family upsizers. You might be a growing family with strategic goals, or a multigenerational household also seeking a lifestyle upgrade. The key is to pinpoint your top priorities.
Ask yourself:
- What’s driving the move – space, family dynamics, investment potential, or convenience?
- Who needs independence, and who needs connection?
- How long do we plan to stay in the next home?
Your answers will help your realtor narrow down both home style and neighbourhoods that make sense for your family’s next chapter.
What All Family Upsizers Have in Common
No matter which category of family upsizers you fall into, they all share a common thread: you’re planning for more. More space, more stability, more opportunity for your family to grow and thrive.
While upsizing can feel like a big leap, it’s also one of the most rewarding moves a family can make. The key is preparation – getting your financing in place, understanding what you can afford, and prioritizing features that will matter most in the years ahead. For step-by-step guidance on financial readiness, the Government of Canada’s mortgage pre-approval guide explains what lenders look for and how to strengthen your application before you start house hunting.
Bringing It All Together
Every family’s path to upsizing looks different – but they all begin with the same question: what does “more” look like for us?
Maybe it’s an extra bedroom for a growing family, a suite for parents or kids returning home, or a backyard big enough for gatherings that span generations. Whatever your reason, finding the right home starts with knowing who you are and how you live.
When you’re ready to take the next step, browse current listings across Toronto or get in touch with our team. We’ll help you explore homes that make sense for your type of upsizer – and your family’s future.
