Thinking of Downsizing?

2026 Could Be The Year

If you've been thinking that it may be time to downsize there are a number of things that you need to consider. One of those items is the local real estate market.

As we head into 2026 it is actually looking like a favourable time to downsize. The market is at pace that you should be able sell & buy at the same time without feeling too much pressure to make a fast decision. After years of low housing inventory the North Okanagan is finally back to normal levels, and as we head into spring we should see lots of new listings hitting the market soon. And, if you do need to finance, expectations are that interest rates should start to come down in the second half of the year.

If nothing else it's a great time to explore your options.

Thinking of Downsizing This Year - Or Maybe 2027?

If you’re a homeowner in the North Okanagan, you may find yourself in one of two camps right now:

You’re thinking about downsizing this year
— or
You’re thinking, “Not yet… but maybe in 2027.”

Both are very common, and both benefit from planning earlier than most people expect.

If downsizing is on your radar for 2026

For many local homeowners, downsizing isn’t about rushing — it’s about simplifying life while staying in control.

If 2026 feels like the right year, now is the time to focus on:

Lifestyle first, not size – One-level living, fewer stairs, less yard work, and proximity to amenities often matter more than square footage.
Understanding local options – Condos, townhomes, patio homes, and smaller detached homes in Vernon and surrounding communities all come with different costs, fees, and resale considerations.
Preparing your current home early – Light decluttering, small repairs, paint, and flooring can make a meaningful difference without over-improving.

Starting early helps avoid rushed decisions and allows you to move once — not twice.

If you’re thinking about selling in 2027

Many downsizers start thinking about their move one to two years out, and that’s often the smartest approach.

If 2027 is your target, now is a great time to:

Watch the local market without pressure – Understanding trends in Vernon neighbourhoods helps you recognize opportunity when it appears.
Think about equity and timing – For many homeowners, the sale of a family home funds the next chapter. Early planning brings clarity and confidence.
Reduce future stress – Gradually simplifying possessions, organizing paperwork, and staying on top of maintenance makes the eventual move far easier.

Downsizing isn’t a single decision — it’s a process.

A calmer way to approach your next move

Whether you’re planning for 2026 or just beginning to think about 2027, the goal is the same: a transition that feels thoughtful, unhurried, and aligned with how you want to live next.

If you’d like to talk through options, timing, or what downsizing realistically looks like in today’s market in Vernon and the North Okanagan, I’m always happy to be a resource.

No pressure — just good information, when you need it.

Warm regards,
Mark Nichiporuk

is it time to downsize?

10 things to consider

Deciding to downsize a home is a significant decision that involves careful consideration of various factors. Here are the ten things you should consider when contemplating downsizing:

1. Current Lifestyle Needs

Evaluate your current lifestyle and assess whether your existing home meets those needs. Consider factors such as family size, work situation, and any upcoming lifestyle changes.

2. Financial Considerations

Assess your financial situation and determine if downsizing makes sense from a budget perspective. Consider potential savings in mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance costs.

3. Market Conditions

Research the real estate market conditions in your area. Understand the demand for homes similiar to yours as well as for smaller homes that you are interested in and how it might impact the sale of your home and your ability to transition smoothly from your current home to your new home

4. Location Preferences

Consider the location of your current home and whether it still aligns with your preferences. Assess amenities, proximity to work, schools, and healthcare facilities.

5. Future Planning

Think about your long-term plans and whether a smaller home aligns with your future goals. Consider factors such as retirement, health, and potential changes in family dynamics.

6. Emotional Attachment

Assess your emotional attachment to your current home. Downsizing may involve letting go of sentimental attachments, and it's essential to be prepared for the emotional aspects of the move.

7. Space Requirements

Evaluate your space requirements realistically. Consider what items are essential and what can be decluttered. Downsizing may require letting go of some possessions.

8. Maintenance and Upkeep

Consider the maintenance responsibilities associated with your current home. Smaller homes typically require less maintenance, which can be a significant advantage as you age or if you have a busy lifestyle.

9. Community and Social Aspects

Think about the community and social aspects of your current neighborhood. Consider whether downsizing will impact your social life and if the new location will offer similar or improved opportunities for community engagement.

10. Professional Advice

Seek advice from real estate professionals, financial advisors, and legal experts. They can provide valuable insights into the market, potential financial implications, and legal considerations associated with downsizing.

Ultimately, the decision to downsize should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of your current situation, future goals, and practical considerations. Taking the time to thoroughly assess these factors can help ensure a successful transition to a smaller home.

Storage and Downsizing

The Most Overlooked Decision Homeowners Regret

When people think about downsizing, they usually focus on square footage, price, or location. What often gets overlooked — until it’s too late — is storage.

In the Vernon and North Okanagan market, storage isn’t a minor detail. For many downsizers, it’s the difference between loving their next home and quietly feeling frustrated after the move.

Downsizing doesn’t mean giving up your lifestyle

Many local downsizers aren’t slowing down — they’re just shifting priorities.

Some travel south all winter and play pickleball year-round. Others ski SilverStar, paddle Kal and Okanagan Lakes, bike through the seasons, or camp with a travel trailer. Some have boats, kayaks, multiple bikes, or decades of outdoor gear they actively use.

The mistake isn’t owning these things. The mistake is choosing a home that doesn’t support the life you still want to live.

The hidden cost of off-site storage

At first, storage units seem like an easy solution. Over time, many downsizers discover otherwise.

Common frustrations include:

Monthly storage fees that never go away
Inconvenience of driving across town to access gear
Limited access during peak seasons
Gear being “out of sight, out of use”

What often starts as a short-term solution becomes a long-term annoyance — and an ongoing expense.

For many homeowners, the goal of downsizing is simplifying life, not adding another errand.

Ask better questions before choosing your next home

Before committing to a condo, townhome, or smaller house, it’s worth doing a realistic storage inventory.

Ask yourself:

What do I use weekly, seasonally, and occasionally?
What hobbies do I plan to keep for the next 5–10 years?
Do I want easy, everyday access to my gear?
Am I comfortable paying for and driving to a storage unit long-term?

A pickleball player who travels all winter will have very different needs than someone with 2 kayaks, multiple sets of skis, mountain bikes, road bikes, side-by-side or a boat.

There’s no right or wrong answer — but there is a right fit.

Storage solutions that work better for downsizers

Successful downsizers often prioritize:

Oversized or double garages
Secure storage lockers
Ground-level storage rooms
Homes with space for seasonal gear
Properties that allow RV or trailer storage (where permitted)

Many people find that a slightly larger home — or a different housing type — feels far more livable when storage is handled properly.

Storage impacts long-term happiness more than people expect

One of the most common things I hear from downsizers after they’ve moved is:

“I didn’t realize how much I’d miss having easy access to my things.”

When storage works, it fades into the background. When it doesn’t, it becomes a constant source of friction.

That’s why it’s worth treating storage as a core decision, not an afterthought.

Downsizing is about alignment, not sacrifice

The best downsizing moves aren’t about forcing a lifestyle change — they’re about aligning your home with how you actually live.

When storage is planned properly:

Hobbies stay enjoyable
Travel stays flexible
Life feels lighter, not restricted

And that’s what downsizing is meant to deliver.

HOME EVALUATION

What's My Home Worth?

A Good First Step

At some point you will have to find out what your home will sell for in today's market before you can really decide it downsizing makes sense at this time.

To start the process just click the link below and fill out the form.

Home Evaluation Form

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