Where to start in Surrey
If you already live in Surrey, decide which connections you want to keep before choosing a property type.
- A move within your current community may preserve routines; a move toward City Centre or another area may change access, parking and the services you use.
What to check at a viewing
Try an apartment and a townhouse against the same checklist.
- Test entry steps, elevator access, bedroom placement and room for visitors.
- Compare the work you would stop doing with new shared costs and restrictions.
More on what to check at a viewing
Keep a contingency for selling and moving timing rather than assuming both transactions will align perfectly.
Measure furniture, storage and access
Start with the activities, furniture and relationships that need space in your next home.
- Then compare access, storage and ongoing responsibilities.
- Downsizing can change costs rather than simply remove them.
More on measure furniture, storage and access
Build a full ownership budget, including any strata fees and moving expenses, before deciding how much equity will remain available.
Your viewing checklist.
Tick each point as you review it. Print a copy to keep.
Compare your options
Keep the things that make life feel like yours
Before choosing a smaller home, make a “keep” list: hosting a family meal, a quiet place to read, space for a hobby, familiar local connections.
- Compare candidate properties against those activities rather than against the size of your present house.
- Measure the belongings you intend to take.
Then work through the practical change in responsibilities, rules and monthly costs.
The right move should simplify the parts you want to simplify while protecting what you value.
- Your routine
- People, destinations and activities to keep.
- Your belongings
- Measured furniture, storage and hobby space.
- Your access
- The complete street-to-home journey.
- Your transition
- Sale, purchase, moving and timing contingencies.
Planning resources for Surrey
Surrey has six communities: Cloverdale, Fleetwood, Guildford, Newton, South Surrey and Whalley.
City Centre is within Whalley. Compare your commute, nearby services and home options in the areas that suit you.
Official planning informationRead the Surrey city guideOfficial information
Start with these resources, then confirm the details for your property and circumstances.
Surrey community profilesBC Financial Services Authority: buying a homeReference review: September 30, 2026