I’m Raya Virji, founder of the Downsizing Daughters Group.
We help seniors and their families navigate downsizing and housing decisions with clarity, care, and far less overwhelm than people expect.
After nearly two decades in real estate — and going through my own downsizing experience — I saw a gap no one was really addressing. Most seniors aren’t struggling with real estate itself. They’re struggling with the emotional weight of change, the fear of making the wrong decision, and the financial uncertainty that often comes with aging and housing transitions.
That’s where my work is different.
My role isn’t to rush decisions or push a move. It’s to help seniors understand their options early, think through what their next chapter actually needs to support, and move forward in a way that feels intentional — not reactive.
Through the Downsizing Daughters Group, I support seniors across Toronto, Durham, York, and Peel as they prepare for downsizing, right-size their homes, or simply start conversations they’ve been putting off. I also created the Safe Home Grant, which provides direct financial assistance to eligible seniors for small but important home safety upgrades so they can remain independent at home longer.
This work is deeply personal to me. I built this approach the same way I would support my own parents — with patience, honesty, and respect for how meaningful this stage of life really is.
Because downsizing isn’t just about where you live.
It’s about how you want to live next.