Stay at home measures that have affected life in Canada over the past year have caused an uptick in the number of people opting to move out of the city for a bigger home. But is the move worth it?

Here are the pros and cons of leaving the city to buy a house.

Pros

You may already have some ideas of why you would want to move from the city but here are some of the most common reasons people move:

Lifestyle – the attraction of smaller centres for many, particularly families, is the idea of knowing your neighbours, having a safe place for your kids to grow up, and a bigger home and yard.

Save money – the cost of renting in Toronto can be high when you compare the square footage of a condo with a house outside of the city. So, you’ll not only have more living space but you’ll be able to save money too.

Cons

It is important to understand that there will be some downsides to moving out of the city, such as:

Extra costs – with a bigger house comes some bigger expenses including gas and water. Don’t forget about repairs and maintenance like roofs, windows, doors and more. You’ll need to factor these into your budget to see if it’s worth it.

Work – once the pandemic crisis has passed, most employers will expect people to return to the office. That could mean a long commute depending on where you’ve moved. Be sure to discuss the move with your employer before you take the plunge.

To Go or Not To Go

As with any big decision, it’s important to do your research and understand the costs before you decide. Sit down and write out a budget so you can fully understand whether it will save you money in the long run. Here are some other things to think about:

  • Keep your future in mind: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

  • Know what is important: Do you like the vibrancy and culture of city life? Or will you be happier in a smaller, quieter community?

  • Understand how much work is involved in owning a home. Do you like gardening and mowing the lawn? What about fixing things around the house? If these don’t put you off, maybe a move is right for you.

  • How will you feel when the pandemic passes? Be honest about your motivation for moving. Are you feeling restless because of everything that has happened in the past year? Or has the idea of owning a house in the country been something you’ve dreamed about for a long time?

If costs are one of the driving factors of your decision, consider the low mortgage rates in Toronto right now. Maybe you don’t need to move to save money. Why not speak to a mortgage expert to find out what your options are?

If you are interested in learning more about mortgages, then call Northwood Mortgage™ at 888-495-4825 or contact us here.