Stay or Move
Your Housing Options Compared
Condo, bungalow, life lease, retirement home or long-term care.
“Moving” can mean very different things. Here are the main options in the GTA, from the most independent to the most supported.
| Option | Who it suits | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Smaller house or bungalow | Independent people who want a yard but no stairs | Bungalows are in high demand in the GTA, so prices can be close to a larger house |
| Condo apartment | People who want no outdoor upkeep and an elevator | Monthly maintenance fees; check the building’s reserve fund and any rules on pets or renovations |
| Townhouse or condo townhouse | People who want a home feel with less upkeep | Many have several floors of stairs; look for main-floor living |
| Life lease | Adults 55+ (often 60+) who want a community setting | You buy the right to live in the unit, not the unit itself. Resale can be slower and is often controlled by the sponsoring organization |
| Renting | People who want to free up their equity and flexibility | No property taxes or repairs, but rent can rise and you are not building equity |
| Retirement residence | Independent people who want meals, activities and some care | Privately paid, monthly fees vary widely. Ontario retirement homes are licensed by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) |
| Long-term care home | People who need 24-hour nursing care | Applications go through Ontario Health atHome (310-2222). There are waitlists, and the accommodation fee is set by the province |
Questions to ask before you choose
- Will this home still work if my health changes in five years?
- How close is it to family, my doctor, my place of worship and shopping?
- What will it cost each month, all in, compared with what I pay now?
- Can I visit, stay for a meal, or talk to people who live there?