Updated September 2026
Deciding to sell is rarely about one thing. It is usually a mix of money, family and timing. Here are seven signs it may be the right time, and what to check before you call an agent.
1. You have built real equity, and you know what it is today
Equity is the gap between what your home would sell for and what you owe. The key is today's value, not the number you remember from a few years ago. Prices across the Greater Toronto Area have moved: in August 2026, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board reported an average selling price of $993,410 and a benchmark price 4.5% lower than a year earlier. Get a current number from a comparative market analysis or a quick estimate at MyValue.ca before you plan around it.
2. Your home no longer fits your life
A growing family, children moving out, a parent moving in or a home office you didn't need before. When you are working around your home every day instead of living in it, it is worth running the numbers on a move.
3. The upkeep is more than you want to take on
A roof, furnace or windows nearing the end of their life, a big yard or a pool you no longer use. If the next few years of maintenance look expensive or tiring, compare that cost with the cost of moving. Our home maintenance checklist can help you see what is coming.
4. Your mortgage renewal is coming up
Breaking a closed mortgage early usually means a prepayment penalty. Selling close to your renewal date, or porting your mortgage to your next home, can save thousands. Ask your lender for your renewal date and a payout estimate before you decide on timing. Our guide to what it costs to sell a home in Ontario explains how penalties work.
5. Your work or commute has changed
A new job, a return to the office or a move to hybrid work can change where it makes sense to live. Many buyers now look further up the Highway 400 and 404 corridors for more space for the money. Compare towns in our community guides.
6. You are ready to downsize or right-size
If you are thinking about retirement or simply want less house, selling can free up equity and cut your running costs. Read about getting a mortgage after retirement if you plan to buy again.
7. You know where you are going next
The strongest sign is a plan: where you will live, whether you will buy before or after you sell, and how the two dates line up. If you are buying and selling in the same market, a softer market affects both sides of the move. Read our take on whether to buy before you sell.
Talk to us
We have been helping families across York Region, Simcoe County and Durham make this decision since 1989. Call us at (905) 830-9111 for a no-obligation look at your numbers.
