Markham Real Estate, From Unionville to Cornell

Markham grew from the historic villages of Markham Village, Milliken, Thornhill and Unionville, and newer communities such as Cornell and Berczy Village have grown up around them. The Rouge and Don rivers cross the city, the Oak Ridges Moraine rises to the north, and Rouge National Urban Park lines the east side. It is also a major employment centre in York Region, which keeps demand steady from people who want to live close to work. SirLuckHomes Real Estate Brokerage helps people buy, sell and rent across Markham with advice that starts from the community and the street.

Commuters use the Stouffville GO line, with stations including Unionville and Mount Joy, plus Viva rapid buses along Highway 7 and quick access to Highways 404 and 407. The planned Yonge North Subway Extension will carry TTC Line 1 north from Finch Station to Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill, but Metrolinx says it will open only after the Ontario Line is complete.

Buying a Home in Markham

Every two unit house must be registered. Since Bill 23, urban residential lots in Markham can have up to three units. But the City is clear that any house with a second suite must be registered, and both units are inspected for building and fire safety. Occupying an unregistered two unit house can lead to court action and fines. Before you count rental income, ask the seller for:

• the building permit and final inspection for the suite, and
• the registration letter from Markham Fire and Emergency Services.

A suite created before July 1, 1993 can follow the Ontario Fire Code retrofit rules for two unit houses if the owner can prove its age. A newer suite must meet the current Ontario Building Code.

Older and heritage homes. Original Unionville along Highway 7 and Kennedy Road, and Markham Village on the Rouge River, have some of the oldest homes in the city. Check heritage status and renovation history with the City before you plan changes.

Markham has no municipal land transfer tax, so buyers pay the provincial tax only. See our first-time home buyer help, get pre-approved and our new homes page.

Selling a Home in Markham

Markham buyers ask detailed questions about basement suites. If your home has one, have the permit, inspection and registration letter ready before you list. A registered suite is a selling point. An unregistered one invites a lower offer, or a buyer who walks.

Pricing should come from recent sales of similar homes in your own community. South Unionville and Upper Unionville to the north are different markets from Original Unionville, even a short drive apart.

If the home is tenanted, the timeline changes. Tenants have rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, so showings, notice and vacant possession all need planning from day one.

Start with a free home valuation, then see how we prepare and stage, market your home and review every offer.

Renting and Landlords in Markham

Markham's registration process for a second suite includes:

• Fire and Emergency Services inspection of both the suite and the rest of the home.
• Proof of home insurance that covers two units.
• A general electrical inspection report.
• Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level, in the right places and with the right power source.
• Checks of the stove and dryer exhausts, and a self closing, latching door between the garage and the house.
• A registration fee of $246, plus an inspection fee.

Once everything passes, the City issues a letter confirming the unit is registered. The City also warns that personal damages from a fire can lead to legal action by tenants against the owner, so registration protects you as much as your tenant.

We help landlords with rental valuation, tenant screening, lease and compliance and property management. Renters can browse rentals or book a viewing.

Markham Neighbourhoods We Know

• Unionville. Original Unionville on Highway 7 and Kennedy, South Unionville, and Upper Unionville at 16th Avenue and Kennedy.
• Markham Village. The historic Main Street community on the Rouge River.
• Cornell. A newer east Markham community near Rouge National Urban Park.
• Berczy Village. Named for William Berczy, who led early German settler families to Markham.
• Milliken. The southwest corner near the Toronto boundary.
• Thornhill (Markham side). East of Yonge, sharing the community with Vaughan.

Why SirLuckHomes Real Estate Brokerage

• We check suite registration status before you write an offer, not after.
• Buying, selling, leasing and property management under one brokerage.
• Highly rated on Google by our clients.
• Over $100 million in combined agent production.
• Broker leadership since 2014.
• Office hours 8 AM to 6 PM ET every day, with AI support available 24/7, including by text to 416-747-5825.

Markham Real Estate FAQ

Do I have to register a basement apartment in Markham?

Yes. Every two unit house must be registered with the City, and Markham Fire and Emergency Services inspects both units before issuing a registration letter.

What does registering a second suite in Markham cost?

The City lists a $246 registration fee, plus an inspection fee. Permits and any upgrades found during the inspection are extra.

What if my Markham suite was built before 1993?

If you can prove it was created before July 1, 1993, the Ontario Fire Code retrofit rules for two unit houses apply instead of the full current Building Code.

When will the subway reach Markham?

Metrolinx says the Yonge North Subway Extension will open after the Ontario Line is complete. The first tunnel boring machine arrived at the launch shaft in September 2026, and no opening date is set.

Is there a municipal land transfer tax in Markham?

No. Only Toronto charges one. Markham buyers pay the provincial land transfer tax.