Relocation Strategy: When is the Time is Right?
For many homeowners, the idea of relocating, whether to downsize as retirement nears, move closer to family, or simply embrace a new lifestyle, is a significant long-term aspiration.
While such decisions are often driven by personal circumstances, the astute property owner understands that timing the market can transform a practical necessity into a substantial financial advantage.
Indeed, the current real estate dynamics across Canada offer a compelling case study in leveraging market imbalances to generate real value.
The Planned Move: A Window of Opportunity
Imagine you're contemplating a significant life change within the next five years that involves a residential move.
Perhaps you're envisioning a more manageable property as you approach retirement, or relocating to be nearer to grandchildren.
Rather than simply reacting when the moment arrives, a proactive approach involves meticulously monitoring real estate markets for optimal "windows of time" to execute your transaction. This foresight can be the difference between a neutral exchange and a strategically profitable one.
The key lies in understanding market imbalances.
This isn't just about whether your local market is hot or cold, but how it compares to your intended destination.
The most favourable scenario arises when there's an imbalance in your favour: a market where you currently own with fewer months of inventory (indicating a strong seller's position) and a market where you intend to buy with more months of inventory (signalling a buyer's advantage). Fewer months of inventory mean there's less supply relative to demand, giving sellers more leverage. Conversely, having more months of inventory implies an ample supply, empowering buyers.
The best time to move:
Sell into a seller’s market
Buy from a buyer’s market
Of course, these circumstances don’t always arise, but finding a shift in the balance, in your favour, is the key.
If the type of home where you live today rarely has a seller’s market, then a balanced market might be the opportunity you’re looking for.
Likewise, if the property type in the location where you want to move to hasn’t had a buyers’ market in over a decade, then a balanced market might suffice.
A Live Example: Calgary to Vancouver
Consider the dynamic currently unfolding between Calgary and Vancouver.
In Calgary, the market has seen a period of robust activity, with homeowners benefiting from appreciating equity. As of today, July 22, 2025, Calgary is showing signs of transitioning towards a more balanced market, but still retains characteristics favourable to sellers in many segments.
For single-detached homes, months of inventory stand around 2.6, indicating a relatively swift absorption of available properties. A balanced market is 4 to 6 months of inventory (MoI). In Calgary, today, sellers often encounter competitive offers and can dictate terms with greater confidence.
Conversely, Vancouver presents a different landscape. After periods of unprecedented price growth, the market has softened, moving distinctly into buyer-friendly territory. While precise current "months of inventory" can fluctuate across property types and neighbourhoods, broader market indicators suggest a higher supply relative to demand. For instance, recent reports indicate a months of inventory (MoI) that firmly places Greater Vancouver in a buyer's market. This implies an environment where properties remain on the market for longer durations, offering substantial advantages to those looking to purchase.
West Vancouver: 19.2 months
Central Surrey: 13.8 months
Burnaby: 13.6 months
Westside: 11.8 months
Coquitlam: 11.7 months
Richmond: 11.4 months
Creating Value: The Dual Benefit
Leveraging these market dynamics can create tangible financial benefits:
Optimizing Your Sale: In a seller's market, like Calgary has recently experienced, you are well-positioned to command a better price for your home. The competition among buyers often leads to multiple offers, reducing the need for price concessions. Furthermore, sellers can often negotiate fewer conditions on the sale, leading to a smoother, faster closing process. This maximizes the capital you can extract from your current asset.
Enhancing Your Purchase: Shifting to a buyer's market, as is increasingly evident in Vancouver, provides a powerful counterpoint. Here, you gain significant selection, with a broader array of properties to choose from. This increased inventory empowers you to negotiate more effectively, potentially securing price concessions from sellers eager to move their properties. In some cases, particularly with new developments, buyers may even secure "freebies" or incentives from developers looking to stimulate sales in a less competitive environment.
Conclusion
For those with a long-term relocation plan, having a strategy for understanding and reacting to market shifts by geography and property type is paramount.
The current scenario, where cities like Calgary offer a robust selling environment while Vancouver provides a more accommodating purchasing landscape, exemplifies a powerful opportunity. By recognizing these windows of time and acting decisively, individuals can not only achieve their lifestyle objectives but also unlock substantial property wealth, transforming a simple move into a sophisticated financial play.
