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You spent decades in a large home. School runs, weekend yard work, furnaces that needed attention, gutters that needed cleaning. Now the kids are gone, equity is sitting in your pocket, and you're looking for a different kind of life. One that trades maintenance chores for morning walks, and a big backyard for a well-designed balcony overlooking a park.
Dawson + Sawyer has been building homes in Surrey, White Rock, and Metro Vancouver for over 50 years. In that time, we've seen thousands of empty nesters make the move from house to condo or townhome. When it's done right, most describe it as one of the best decisions of their lives.
This guide covers everything you need to evaluate: accessibility, strata fees, layout, build quality, what to ask a developer, and where to start your search.
Surrey is the fastest-growing city in BC and one of the most transit-connected in Metro Vancouver. For empty nesters, it offers:
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At Dawson + Sawyer communities, monthly strata fees typically cover: professional property management, building insurance, landscaping and irrigation, municipal water and sewer, gutter cleaning, power washing, garbage and recycling, snow removal, pest control, and common area maintenance.
Request the strata budget and depreciation report before signing. These documents tell you what's funded, what's not, and whether a special levy is looming.
All new BC homes include a mandatory 2-5-10 Year New Home Warranty: 2 years on defects in labour and materials, 5 years on the building envelope, and 10 years on the structure.
Ask whether construction is managed in-house. Dawson + Sawyer manages all construction internally, which means tighter control over quality, cost, and timing.
Confirm the number of parking stalls included with your unit, and whether additional stalls are available to purchase. Look for in-suite storage or a separate storage locker. Downsizing doesn't mean getting rid of everything.
Ground-floor units offer no-elevator independence, direct yard or patio access, and often feel more like a traditional home. Trade-off: slightly higher noise potential from pedestrian traffic.
Elevator-accessed upper floors offer better views, more privacy, and often more natural light. Trade-off: elevator dependency.
Located directly on the SkyTrain line in Fleetwood Surrey. These condos offer modern layouts, elevator access, and a walkable neighbourhood with shops and services nearby. Ideal for empty nesters who want urban convenience without car dependency.
A condo community in Bear Creek, Surrey. Access to Bear Creek Park — one of Surrey's most beloved green spaces — right outside the door. Ground-level and upper-floor units available.
Creekside townhomes in Bear Creek with private outdoor space, multiple bedrooms for hosting visiting family, and low-maintenance strata living.
1, 2, + 3 bedroom condos in Guildford. Close to Guildford Town Centre, medical clinics, and the 96 B-Line rapid bus. Strong community with established walkability scores.
Most downsizers arrive with significant equity. Often $800,000 to $1.5M or more from a Metro Vancouver single-family home. Here's how the financial math typically works for a new Surrey condo or townhome:
The first deposit is $5,000 upon signing your Contract of Purchase. A second deposit increase is due at the end of your 7-day Rescission Period. Additional deposits may follow at set intervals depending on the project. All deposits form part of your total down payment.
If you're not a cash buyer, Dawson + Sawyer has partnered with top lenders to offer a Builder Capped Rate Mortgage — your approval is locked in until your completion date, protecting you from interest rate changes and shifts in lending policy.
Strata fees cover professional property management, building insurance, landscaping and irrigation, municipal water and sewer, garbage and recycling, snow removal, pest control, gutter cleaning, power washing, and maintenance of all common areas. In-suite repairs and your personal home insurance are separate. Request the strata fee schedule and operating budget before committing — they vary by project and building size.
Elevator access varies by building. Fleetwood Village 2 and Guildford The Greatest 2 are mid-rise buildings with elevator access. Ground-floor units are also available in select projects for those who prefer step-free living without elevator dependency.
Parking allocations vary by unit type and community. Some units include one stall; others include two. Additional stalls may be available for purchase. If two parking spaces are essential to you, confirm this before signing. Ask specifically whether the stalls are side-by-side, tandem, or separate.
No current Dawson + Sawyer communities are age-restricted. All buildings are open to residents of any age, making them suitable for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.