Markham Houses and Condos for Sale: Tech Hub North-East of Toronto

Unionville is the historic village centre with a charming main street, followed by Markham Village, an older district with detached homes. Cornell and Berczy Village are newer family areas with strong school ratings, while Angus Glen is known for golf and large homes. Downtown Markham is a planned urban centre with condos, offices, and a cinema complex, and Thornhill straddles the Vaughan border. The area has a large Chinese-Canadian and South Asian community, which supports excellent restaurants and shopping.

Transport links include the GO train from Unionville and Markham stations, the 407 and 404 highways, and York Region Transit's Viva buses along Highway 7.

Federal limits on purchases of residential property by non-Canadians apply, with exceptions for certain permit holders. Ontario's Non-Resident Speculation Tax may apply, and Markham charges only the provincial land transfer tax. Foreign buyers should get legal advice early. Read the Canada buying guide, the Canada mortgage page and the Canada market analysis for further context.

Markham's strong reputation rests in large part on public schools with high academic ratings, and many families buy specifically within a school catchment. Check the York Region District School Board boundaries for any home you are considering, since they change. The city has one of the highest proportions of residents born outside Canada, which shows in the restaurants along Highway 7, the shopping plazas of Pacific Mall and the festivals. Winter commuting can be slow on the 404 and 407, so consider living near a GO station if you work downtown. Markham also contains protected ravines and conservation areas that border some properties, which may limit extensions.

In Markham, school zones can move your budget more than the house itself. Check with the school board's boundary finder, look at recent enrolment trends and consider alternatives such as French immersion or specialised programs. Some buyers choose a smaller home in a top catchment, accepting a longer commute. Remember that catchment boundaries can change, so do not pay a premium based solely on a current line.

York Region property taxes are lower in percentage terms than Toronto's, though large detached homes still generate a high annual bill. Heating is mainly natural gas. When buying in newer subdivisions, check the builder's warranty coverage and lot grading. For condos near Downtown Markham, check the maintenance fee per square foot and the status certificate. Rental demand comes from technology staff and students at nearby colleges.

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