Upsizing in Markham, Ontario typically means bridging a gap of roughly $400,000 between a starter condo, semi, or townhome and a full detached house - and the neighbourhood you choose matters more than the house, because school catchments, GO station access, and lot vintage drive resale here more than finishes do. For most move-up buyers, the practical shortlist comes down to six communities: Berczy, Wismer, Cornell, Greensborough, Cathedraltown, and Markham Village — with Unionville as the stretch goal. This guide breaks down what each one actually costs, what you get for it, and the street-level details that don’t show up on a listing sheet.
Last updated: July 6th 2026 · By Brad Macdonald, Broker, The MAC Team — RE/MAX All-Stars Realty Inc.
Which Markham neighbourhoods are best for upsizing into a detached home or townhome?
Here’s the comparison most buyers spend three months assembling on their own:
What does upsizing actually buy you in Markham right now?
The move-up ladder in Markham has unusually distinct rungs. This is the spread between them:
| Neighbourhood | Freehold townhome | Detached (main segment) | Lot character | Nearest GO | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berczy | $1.15M–$1.35M | $1.7M–$2.2M | 2000s, 36–45 ft lots | Centennial / Mount Joy | Pierre Elliott Trudeau H.S. catchment |
| Wismer | $1.1M–$1.3M | $1.5M–$1.9M | 2000s–2010s, 30–40 ft lots | Mount Joy | Bur Oak Ave corridor, parks every few blocks |
| Cornell | $1.05M–$1.25M | $1.4M–$1.8M | New-urbanist, rear laneways | Markham (via Cornell Terminal) | Hospital, Rouge Park at the doorstep |
| Greensborough | $1.05M–$1.25M | $1.45M–$1.8M | 2000s, 36–42 ft lots | Mount Joy (walkable) | Best GO-walkability per dollar |
| Cathedraltown | $1.1M–$1.3M | $1.6M–$2.1M | 2010s, compact prestige lots | Hwy 404 instead | Cathedral landmark, 404 commuters |
| Markham Village / Raymerville | $1.0M–$1.2M | $1.35M–$1.7M | 1970s–80s, 50 ft+ mature lots | Markham | Biggest lots per dollar in the city |
| Unionville (stretch) | $1.3M–$1.6M | $2.1M–$3.5M+ | Mixed vintage, premium streets | Unionville | Main Street, Toogood Pond, Unionville H.S. |
Source: TRREB MLS® data, trailing 90 days. Bands are orientation, not appraisal.
| Rung | Typical price | Gap to next rung |
|---|---|---|
| Condo townhome / stacked town | $850K–$1.0M | +$150K–$250K |
| Freehold townhome (often POTL) | $1.05M–$1.35M | +$300K–$450K |
| Link / semi-detached | $1.25M–$1.5M | +$200K–$400K |
| Detached, 30–36 ft lot | $1.45M–$1.8M | +$250K–$400K |
| Detached, 40–50 ft lot | $1.7M–$2.2M | — |
Two structural notes upsizers consistently miss:
The townhome-to-detached gap is the expensive jump. If your end goal is detached, an intermediate move into a freehold town often costs more in total transaction friction (see our complete upsizing cost walkthrough) than waiting one more year and jumping directly.
“Freehold” townhome usually means POTL here. Most post-2005 Markham townhomes are Parcel of Tied Land: you own the home freehold but pay a monthly common-element fee (commonly $75–$150/month) for the private laneway, visitor parking, and snow on shared surfaces. It’s not a red flag — but it is a condominium corporation on paper, which means your lawyer should review a status certificate before you firm up. If that sentence surprised you, you’re in the majority.
Neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood: the upsizer’s read
Berczy: is it worth paying the school premium?
Berczy trades at a premium of roughly 5% over near-identical homes in adjacent Wismer, and the honest explanation is four words: Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School. The catchment premium is real, durable, and priced in — you don’t make money buying it, you preserve money owning it, because catchment demand puts a floor under resale in soft markets.
What to know on the ground: the housing stock between Bur Oak Avenue and 16th Avenue is early-2000s builder stock, mostly 38–45 ft lots, and the streets off The Bridle Walk are where the larger floor plans cluster. Verify the catchment address-by-address with YRDSB before you waive conditions — boundaries in this part of Markham have been reviewed before as schools filled, and “in Berczy” does not automatically mean “in the Trudeau catchment.”
Wismer: the practical default for detached upsizers
If Berczy is the school play, Wismer is the value play with 90% of the same daily life. Same builders, same era, same Bur Oak Avenue retail spine (the plaza-and-park rhythm along Bur Oak is genuinely walkable in a way most of suburban York Region is not), Mount Joy GO on the Stouffville line at its edge, and Bur Oak Secondary School serving most of the community. Detached inventory here turns over steadily, which means more choice per season than Berczy and less bidding pressure per listing.
Cornell: the townhome capital — with one thing to check
Cornell is Markham’s new-urbanist experiment that actually worked: rear-lane garages, porches to the street, and the densest concentration of well-designed freehold townhomes in the city. It’s also home to Cornell Community Centre, Markham Stouffville Hospital, the Cornell Bus Terminal, and it backs directly onto Rouge National Urban Park — trail access from a townhome price point that nothing west of McCowan can match.
The thing to check: laneway townhomes vary enormously in garage configuration and functional parking. Some blocks have double garages plus a lane apron (effectively 3–4 spots); others have a single garage and a no-parking lane. For an upsizing family with two vehicles, this single detail should filter your Cornell townhome shortlist before price does.
Cornell Village, Markham, Ontario
Greensborough: the GO-walk neighbourhood nobody prices correctly
Much of Greensborough sits within a genuine 10–15 minute walk of Mount Joy GO, yet it trades at a discount to Berczy and roughly at par with Wismer. For a household where one earner commutes downtown on the Stouffville line and the other drives, this is arguably the best-priced detached quadrant in Markham. Inventory skews 2000s, 36–42 ft lots, with family-sized floor plans concentrated between Bur Oak Avenue and Major Mackenzie.
Cathedraltown: for the Highway 404 commuter
Cathedraltown, at Major Mackenzie and the 404, is the choice when the commute is by car, not by train. The neighbourhood is instantly recognizable — it’s built around the Cathedral of the Transfiguration, and yes, that is a giant stainless-steel cow (“Charity”) on a plinth that residents have debated since it went up; you’ll have an opinion within a week. Lots are compact for the price tier, so you’re paying for architecture, location, and the 404 on-ramp rather than backyard square footage. Best fit: upsizers leaving a townhome who care more about the house than the lot.
Markham Village & Raymerville: the mature-lot arbitrage
The oldest trick in the Markham upsizer’s book: a 1970s–80s detached on a 50–60 ft mature lot in Markham Village or Raymerville often costs the same as — or less than — a 2010s detached on 36 ft further north. You trade modern layouts for land, trees, and proximity to Main Street Markham and Milne Dam Conservation Park (the largest green space in the city that isn’t Rouge Park, and locals’ default for trails and the fall salmon run on the Rouge River). Budget honestly for updating: kitchens, windows, and wiring of this vintage absorb $150K if the home hasn’t been touched.
Unionville: the stretch goal, priced accordingly
Unionville is the destination neighbourhood - Main Street, Toogood Pond, Varley Art Gallery, Unionville High School’s arts program - and it’s priced like one. For upsizers, the realistic entries are the townhomes and links on the neighbourhood’s edges at $1.1M–$1.3M, or older detached needing work. If Unionville is the goal, start with our Unionville page — the dynamics there deserve their own article.
Main Street Unionville, Ontario
Inside-local knowledge: what only showings teach you
The Stouffville GO line is the spine of upsizer Markham. Four stations serve the city — Unionville, Centennial, Markham, and Mount Joy, south to north. Parking pressure differs sharply by station; if the commuting spouse drives to the GO, test the actual lot at 7:40 a.m. on a Tuesday, not on a Saturday viewing trip.
Viva Purple runs dedicated rapidway lanes along Highway 7 — relevant if you work along the 7 corridor, and a genuine amenity for teenagers who don’t drive yet.
Bill Crothers Secondary School has no catchment. It’s application-based (athlete-focused), so no house purchase gets you in — don’t pay a premium a listing agent attaches to “near Bill Crothers.”
Catchment maps move. Fast-growing communities here have seen boundary reviews as schools hit capacity. Confirm the current YRDSB/YCDSB boundary for the specific address in writing during your conditional period.
POTL fees are per-corporation, not per-neighbourhood. Two visually identical townhome rows a block apart can carry fees $60+/month apart depending on how much private road each corporation maintains. It’s on the status certificate; read it.
Aaniin Community Centre (south) and Angus Glen Community Centre (north) bracket the city — proximity to one is a daily-life factor families weight heavily after moving in, and almost never during the search.
Detached vs. townhome: the honest trade-off table for upsizers
| Factor | Freehold townhome (POTL) | Detached |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $1.05M–$1.35M | $1.4M+ |
| Monthly carrying extra | POTL fee $110–$180 | None (all maintenance is yours) |
| Snow / lawn | Shared surfaces done for you | Yours, entirely |
| Lot / yard | Minimal | The point |
| Resale liquidity | High — biggest buyer pool in the city | High, segmented by lot size |
| Legal wrinkle | Status certificate review | Standard freehold |
The next step (no pressure version)
If you’re within 12 months of making this move, the most useful thing we can offer isn’t a sales call — it’s the Markham Upsizer’s Street-Level Shortlist: a custom map built for your budget, school priorities, and commute pattern, marking the specific streets (not just neighbourhoods) that fit, plus our current watchlist of coming-soon and off-market homes in those pockets that haven’t hit MLS®. Request it through our getting-started page — it takes us about two days to build and it’s yours either way.
The MAC Team — RE/MAX All-Stars Realty Inc., 5071 Hwy 7, Unit 5, Markham. Market figures are drawn from TRREB MLS® data and are illustrative; for current numbers, request a valuation or browse our latest market takes.
IndyCar Is Coming to Markham - What the Race Means Beyond Race Weekend
Sold in 8 Days: What a Clean Sale Looks Like in Markham Village Right Now
The market has been humbling for a lot of sellers in 2025. Buyers are cautious, financing conditions are back, and days-on-market numbers that would have been embarrassing three years ago are now routine. Against that backdrop, we recently closed 3 Bryant Road in Markham Village in 8 days - a straightforward, well-negotiated sale where both sides left the table satisfied. No drama. We don't usually post sold properties on this blog, but this one felt worth noting.
The property
3 Bryant Road is a 2,800 sq ft, 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom freehold detached home on a 44 x 124 lot. The home carried its original 1980s finishes - we priced it to reflect that honestly, not to chase a number it couldn't justify. Updated mechanicals (furnace and A/C replaced in 2020, newer roof, updated windows), a finished basement, and a large fenced backyard with a wood deck rounded out the picture.
Why Markham Village
Markham Village is one of those neighbourhoods that holds its appeal quietly. Mature tree-lined streets, genuine community character, walkable to schools, and close to commuter routes without feeling like a suburb built around a highway. Demand for the right product here doesn't disappear - it just gets more selective. Buyers who want Markham Village know it, and they show up when the pricing makes sense.
What made it work
Honest pricing from day one. Clear, consistent marketing that set accurate expectations. And a negotiation focused on getting both parties to yes rather than winning points. The buyers got a home they understood completely. The sellers moved on with certainty. That's the outcome we're always working toward.
Thinking about selling in Markham Village?
If you're weighing a move in this market and want a realistic conversation about what well-executed looks like right now, we're happy to talk. Contact us or call us directly.
The MAC Team - REMAX All-Stars Realty Inc., Brokerage
REMAX Joins Forces with The Real Brokerage - What It Means
By now, you may have seen the headlines. On April 27, The Real Brokerage announced plans to acquire REMAX Holdings in an $880 million deal — one of the most significant transactions in the history of residential real estate. As agents with REMAX All-Stars Realty here in Markham and Unionville, we wanted to share our perspective on what this means and why, on balance, we see this as a genuinely positive development for everyone involved.
What's Actually Happening
The two companies will merge under a new holding company called Real REMAX Group, combining brokerage, franchising, fintech, and ancillary services — including integrated mortgage and title offerings. Critically, REMAX and Motto Mortgage will continue to operate under their existing brands and franchise models. The name stays. The brand stays. The network stays.
The combined company will support more than 180,000 real estate professionals and their clients across more than 120 countries and territories. That's not a smaller organization — it's a significantly larger and better-resourced one.
Why We See This as a Good Thing
Better technology for agents and clients. Real Brokerage was founded in 2014 specifically as a technology-first, AI-powered brokerage. The newly formed entity will unite Real's AI-powered brokerage platform with REMAX's iconic brand and global reach to deliver a differentiated home buying and selling experience. For agents, that means access to tools that can streamline everything from transaction management to client communication. For clients, it means working with agents who have more support, better data, and faster systems behind them.
The REMAX brand isn't going anywhere. The transaction pairs Real's agent-first, mobile-first technology platform with REMAX's global franchisor footprint and brand recognition — it doesn't replace it. REMAX has spent 50+ years building one of the most recognized names in real estate. That equity doesn't disappear. It gets a modern engine underneath it.
Franchisees and agents are explicitly protected. REMAX CEO Erik Carlson framed the deal in terms of what it delivers for the people in the network — the combination is designed to give franchisees and agents "greater choice, higher productivity and expanded support" by layering Real's technology stack on top of the existing REMAX network.
Scale creates strength. The combined company would support more than 180,000 agents across more than 120 countries and territories — including more than 100,000 in the U.S. and Canada. A larger, better-capitalized organization has more negotiating power with vendors, more resources for training and tools, and more ability to invest in what agents and clients actually need.
What Changes (and What Doesn't)
The deal is still pending regulatory and shareholder approvals, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of 2026. Until then, both companies operate independently — nothing changes on the ground.
Our Take
The real estate industry is evolving fast. Technology is reshaping how homes are found, marketed, and sold. This deal positions REMAX agents to compete at the highest level — with a tech platform purpose-built for modern real estate, under a brand that clients worldwide already know and trust.
We've always been proud to be part of the REMAX family. This next chapter looks like a strong one.
Questions about what any of this means for your buying or selling plans? We're always here to talk.
The MAC Team | REMAX All-Stars Realty Inc., Brokerage
Sources: REMAX official press release (news.remax.com) | HousingWire | Inman | Bloomberg, April 27, 2026
Markham Home Sales Rise as Prices Fall — What March 2026 Means for Buyers and Sellers
Market Update | April 2026 | The MAC Team, REMAX All-Stars Realty
The Greater Toronto Area housing market is showing early signs of a shift heading into spring 2026. According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), resale home sales climbed year-over-year in March for the first time in six months — while selling prices continued to ease, creating a notable window of opportunity for buyers.
Sales Are Up — But So Is Your Negotiating Power
GTA REALTORS reported 5,039 home sales through TRREB's MLS System in March 2026, a 1.7% increase compared to March 2025. GlobeNewswire It marks a meaningful turning point after months of declining activity.
At the same time, the average selling price fell 6.7% year-over-year to $1,017,796, while the MLS Home Price Index composite benchmark — representing the typical home — was down 7.4%. CBC News
For buyers, that combination is significant. TRREB Chief Information Officer Jason Mercer noted that buyers currently benefit from "substantial negotiating power" on price, adding that if market conditions continue to tighten as they did in March, selling prices could start to level off as 2026 progresses. BNN Bloomberg
Supply Is Tightening
While buyers hold the upper hand on price today, supply is quietly shrinking. New listings entered into the MLS System totalled 14,442 in March — down 16.7% year-over-year. GlobeNewswire Total active listings across the GTA also decreased 8%, sitting at 21,596. CBC News
That declining inventory, combined with rising sales, suggests the balance of power in this market could shift faster than many expect.
What This Means If You're Buying
This may be one of the stronger buyer's windows the GTA has seen in several years. Prices are down from their peak, inventory — while shrinking — still offers selection, and mortgage rates have improved from their highs. Waiting for the "bottom" is a strategy that often costs more than it saves.
What This Means If You're Selling
Pricing strategy is everything right now. Homes that are priced correctly for current market conditions are moving. Overpriced listings are sitting. If you've been waiting on the sidelines, understanding your home's true value in today's market is the critical first step.
City of Toronto Snapshot
Within the City of Toronto, there were 1,913 sales in March — a 0.9% increase from March 2025. BNN Bloomberg Activity is picking up across the board, though the pace remains measured.
Thinking about buying or selling in Markham, Unionville, or the broader GTA this spring? The MAC Team at REMAX All-Stars Realty is here to help you navigate the market with confidence. Get in touch today.
Source: TRREB — GTA Home Sales Up and Selling Prices Down in March
A walk down Main Street Markham
Markham Village comes to life through its local entrepreneurs. We recently spent the afternoon visiting some of our favorite stops to showcase why we love being real estate agents in this community.
Whether you're shopping for unique pieces at LouLou Boutique, exploring the latest games at The Kingdom, or enjoying the hospitality at The Duchess Markham and Main’s Mansion, there is a sense of belonging here that is hard to find anywhere else. And of course, we always make time for a treat at Love Gelato!
These businesses aren't just storefronts - they are the reason Markham Village remains one of the most sought-after real estate markets in the GTA.
Keep up with our latest social videos: https://www.instagram.com/homesresource
10 Sufi Crescent Sold: Strategy Wins in a Challenging Market
Toronto, Ontario. Selling a home in today’s market isn’t as straightforward as it once was. Buyer hesitation, shifting conditions, and increased competition have made strategy more important than ever. That’s exactly what we leaned into with the sale of 10 Sufi Crescent in North York.
From the beginning, our approach was clear: position the home properly, highlight its strongest features, and ensure it stood out online where today’s buyers are making their first impressions. With its spacious five-bedroom layout, finished basement, and standout backyard oasis, we knew this property had the fundamentals to perform - it just needed the right exposure and execution.
Despite a slower, more cautious market, we stayed disciplined. No chasing the market, no reactive decisions - just a focused plan built around timing, presentation, and negotiation. That consistency paid off!
We’re proud to share that 10 Sufi Crescent has now sold, achieving a top result for a townhome in the area. More importantly, our clients can now move forward into their next chapter with confidence, knowing they maximized the value of their home even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Every market presents its own challenges, but the right strategy still drives results. If you’re considering selling and want to understand how to navigate today’s environment, we’re always here to help.
Ontario Expands HST Rebate on New Homes - Up to $130,000 in Savings for Buyers
By Popular Demand: Our New Podcast
Welcome to the Unnamed Real Estate Podcast
Based on feedback we’ve received from many of you after seeing more of our content on social media, we heard a consistent request for longer-form, more in-depth conversations about real estate and the local market.
In response, we’re excited to introduce our new video and audio podcast, where we take the time to explore market trends, development news, random thoughts, and practical insights that don’t always fit into a short post or reel. This is a casual chat between Brad and Tony, that is meant to be an interesting and entertaining peek into our world of real estate - this isn’t going to be a statistics and listings kind of thing.
Our first episode is now live and available to watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify. You’ll find the links included below, and we’d love for you to check it out and share your feedback!
What Markham Homeowners need to know: Ontario Building Code changes
If you are a Landlord with rental properties, take note - you must ensure all of your properties are compliant with the NEW building code regulations as of January 1st 2026! Mandatory Carbon Monoxide detectors MUST be installed, or face fines.
Ontario's Building Code is being updated, with major changes to carbon monoxide (CO) alarm requirements taking effect January 1, 2026, mandating alarms on every floor of homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages, expanding from just near sleeping areas, and applying to multi-unit buildings too, making compliance a legal requirement with significant fines for non-compliance.
Key Changes Effective Jan 1, 2026
Every Floor: Alarms must now be on every storey (level) of a home or dwelling unit.
Expanded Triggers: Applies to homes with fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, water heaters, stoves, fireplaces), attached garages, or heating from an outdoor furnace.
Multi-Unit Dwellings: Rules extend to apartments/condos, requiring alarms in units and sometimes public corridors near fuel systems or garages.
Scope: Covers single-family homes, townhouses, and multi-unit residential buildings (apartments, condos).
What You Need to Do
Install Alarms: Place CO alarms on every floor and next to each sleeping area if you have a furnace, fireplace, or attached garage.
Check Your Appliances: Ensure all fuel-burning devices (furnaces, hot water tanks, stoves) are properly vented and inspected annually by a professional.
Buy Certified Alarms: Look for alarms meeting Canadian performance standards (ULC certified).
Test Monthly: Test your alarms monthly and replace batteries as per manufacturer instructions (even plug-in models need battery backup).
Why the Change?
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause headaches, dizziness, and death, making early detection crucial. These new requirements provide broader, earlier warning for residents.
Responsibilities
Homeowners: Responsible for installation and maintenance in single-family homes.
Landlords/Building Owners: Responsible for compliance in rental units and multi-unit buildings.
Penalties
Failure to comply with the Ontario Fire Code is an offence, with potential fines up to $50,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations for a first offence.
Never stop learning
Always thrilled to continue improving our skills, so we can best serve our Clients! Pleased to announce the completion of the Professional Real Estate Negotiation course, to add to our growing list of credentials. Nothing better than honing your skills as a negotiator!
What the 2025 Federal Budget Means for Home Buyers and Sellers
The 2025 Federal Budget puts housing front and center with new initiatives aimed at tackling affordability and boosting supply across Canada.
Just Purchased in Aurora!
Thrilled that we were able to negotiate a fantastic deal on this beautiful home in Newmarket, for our wonderful Clients relocating back to Canada from abroad! With things leaning toward a bit of a Buyer’s market, it can be an ideal time to stretch those purchasing dollars to scoop up some incredible deals!
Markham Real Estate Market Update 2025
What’s really happening in the Markham and Unionville real estate market right now? Brad Macdonald from RE/MAX breaks down the Fall 2025 GTA housing market — including the latest price trends, interest rate effects, and what it all means for buyers, sellers, and investors across Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and the York Region area.
In Loving Memory of David Macdonald
To our valued Clients and Friends,
With great sadness I have to share the passing of my father David Macdonald. Many of our wonderful Clients have worked with Dave in the past, to which many have become amazing friends over the years.
Dave had been battling Cancer for the last few years - continuing to work - often behind the scenes - for as long as he was able.
I’ve been so lucky to have been brought into the real estate industry by my mother Mary Anne, and was able to join our ‘family team’, alongside Dave and my sister Candice — it’s not too often you get the chance to work so close with so much family. Dave thoroughly enjoyed the real estate part of his career, with a bias towards the back-office and commercial side of the business.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without his expert guidance and advice. Dave will truly be missed.
