Canada's High-Tech Capital — York Region

Markham, Ontario

Q: What types of homes are available in Markham?

Markham offers a range of housing types from established character homes in mature neighbourhoods to newer suburban developments and condominiums. The market serves buyers across price points with options for first-time buyers, growing families, and investors.

Q: What is Ontario's Land Transfer Tax in Markham?

Ontario's provincial Land Transfer Tax applies: 0.5% on the first $55,000; 1.0% on $55,001-$250,000; 1.5% on $250,001-$400,000; 2.0% on $400,001-,0$400,000; 2.5% over ,0$400,000. Markham has no additional municipal LTT. First-time buyers qualify for a provincial rebate of up to $4,000.

A city with genuine character in York Region — one of Ontario's compelling places to live, work, and invest in real estate.

~365K

Population

~.2M

Avg Home Price

City

Municipality Type

York Region

Region

Life in Markham

Markham is sometimes called Canada's High-Tech Capital — a designation that reflects the genuine concentration of technology companies in this York Region city north of Toronto. IBM's Canadian headquarters, AMD, Huawei Canada, Lenovo, and hundreds of software and hardware companies have offices in Markham's Enterprise Boulevard and Highway 7 corridors, creating one of Canada's densest tech employment clusters outside downtown Toronto. The city's population is approximately 60% of Asian origin, predominantly Chinese-Canadian, making it one of the most distinctively Asian-Canadian cities in the country.

The historic Old Markham Village, along Main Street, is the city's charming original core — 19th-century commercial buildings, heritage homes, and a farmers market that operates in contrast to the modern commercial development surrounding it. Unionville, a heritage district east of the main city, is one of Ontario's most picturesque historic main streets — cobblestones, Victorian storefronts, and a millpond that draws visitors year-round. Markham's combination of corporate headquarters and heritage charm is unusual.

Markham's real estate market is one of the more expensive in the GTA — prices reflect the premium for York Region suburban living with proximity to major employment, top-ranked schools, and Markham Stouffville Hospital. Detached homes in newer subdivisions like Cornell, Wismer, and Unionville dominate family buyer demand. The city's ongoing growth around the Markham Centre planned community (with a future York-Spadina subway extension) continues to shape the market's trajectory.

Real Estate in Markham

Established Neighbourhoods

Mature residential areas in Markham offer character homes, tree-lined streets, and community feel that comes from decades of investment. From Victorian and Edwardian homes to solid post-war bungalows, established neighbourhoods provide options across condition and price point.

~~.2M avg — varies by neighbourhood

New Developments

Active residential development on Markham's growing edges provides modern construction with open-concept layouts, energy efficiency, and attached garages. These developments serve families seeking newer builds with good school catchments and proximity to major employers.

New builds: premium over avg

Condominiums & Investment

Markham's condominium market provides entry-level ownership and investment opportunities, supported by post-secondary students, young professionals, and the city's institutional employment sectors. Low-rise and mid-rise options dominate; high-rise development varies by area.

Condos: typically below city avg

Markham Real Estate — FAQ

What makes Markham a strong real estate market?

Markham benefits from a diverse employment base, strong community amenities, and consistent buyer demand in York Region. The city's position within Ontario's economic geography — whether through transit connectivity, post-secondary institutions, healthcare employment, or industrial and corporate presence — supports housing demand across economic cycles and makes it a reliable market for both owner-occupiers and investors.

What types of homes are available in Markham?

Markham offers a full range: detached family homes (Victorian, Edwardian, post-war, and modern builds), semi-detached homes, townhouses (freehold and condominium), and apartment-style condominiums. The mix varies by neighbourhood — urban cores tend toward higher density while suburban areas offer more detached options. Working with a local REALTOR® who knows Markham's specific micro-markets is the best way to find the right match.

What are Markham's strongest neighbourhoods?

Markham has distinct residential areas that cater to different buyer profiles — from walkable urban neighbourhoods near employment and amenities to family-oriented suburban communities with newer schools and recreational facilities. Neighbourhood character and price variation within the city can be significant; a local real estate professional is the best guide to which areas best match your priorities.

Is Markham accessible by public transit from Toronto?

Markham's connectivity to Toronto and the broader Ontario economy depends on its location in York Region. GO Transit, Highway 401 and other major corridors, and local transit options shape how residents connect to wider employment and services. Buyers considering Markham as a commuter market should assess specific travel times and costs carefully relative to their employment location.

Is Markham a good market for first-time buyers?

Markham typically offers better entry points than Toronto or the inner GTA, particularly for buyers seeking freehold ownership. The combination of Ontario's first-time homebuyer Land Transfer Tax rebate (up to $4,000), the federal First Home Savings Account, and Markham's market pricing relative to the GTA can make homeownership achievable for buyers who have been priced out of larger centres.

What is Ontario's Land Transfer Tax in Markham?

Ontario's provincial Land Transfer Tax: 0.5% on the first $55,000; 1.0% on $55,001–$250,000; 1.5% on $250,001–$400,000; 2.0% on $400,001–,0$400,000; 2.5% over ,0$400,000. Markham has no municipal LTT (only Toronto has a second layer). First-time buyers qualify for a provincial rebate of up to $4,000. Include LTT in your closing cost budget alongside legal fees and title insurance.

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