City Buyer Guide
Jay Kuang, Sales Representative · Bay Street Group Inc., Brokerage
Buying a Home in Markham: Market Snapshot, Communities and Cashback
Below are sourced local facts to help you plan your Markham purchase — then use the calculator with your own price.
What you pay
- Showings
- $35 per property
- Offers
- $100 per property, incl. unlimited revisions & counters
- Closing fee
- $4,999
Showing and offer fees are charged per property. You only pay when your deal successfully closes.
How it works
- Search on your own and shortlist the homes you like.
- Book Jay for a private showing or an offer — pay only for the properties you choose.
- After closing, the remaining buyer-side commission is returned to you as cashback.
Neighbourhoods in Markham I serve
Unionville, Markham Village, Cornell, Berczy Village, Cathedraltown, Milliken, Markham Centre
Community names follow the City of Markham Official Plan. Source
Local facts (with sources)
September 2026 market snapshot
In September 2026, TRREB recorded 245 sales in Markham at an average price of $1,125,353 (median $1,051,000), with 729 new listings. Monthly figures change; check the latest report.
Source: TRREB Market Watch, September 2026 · Sep 2026
Heritage conservation districts
Under the Ontario Heritage Act, the City of Markham has four heritage conservation districts: Thornhill, Markham Village, Buttonville and Unionville. Each has a district plan that guides alterations and new development.
Source: City of Markham · Checked Oct 13, 2026
Yonge North Subway Extension
Metrolinx describes the Yonge North Subway Extension as extending TTC Line 1 north from Finch Station to Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill.
Source: Metrolinx · Checked Oct 13, 2026
Ontario first-time buyer refund
Eligible first-time buyers may claim a refund of Ontario land transfer tax of up to $4,000.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Finance · Page updated Feb 10, 2026
Worked example: land transfer tax at the median price
Ontario rates for a home with one or two single-family residences: 0.5% up to $55,000, 1% to $250,000, 1.5% to $400,000, 2% to $2,000,000. On $1,051,000: $275 + $1,950 + $2,250 + 2% × $651,000 ($13,020) = $17,495. A qualifying first-time buyer may get up to $4,000 back: $17,495 − $4,000 = $13,495. There is no municipal land transfer tax outside Toronto. Example only; your lawyer confirms the actual tax.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Finance · Ontario rates page updated Apr 22, 2026
Illustrative example: flat fees vs. a percentage commission
Illustrative only, not a guaranteed saving. Assumption: a 2.5% commission per side, used here as an example; commissions are negotiable and not set by law. At $1,051,000, 2.5% is $26,275. Buyer side with 8 showings and 2 offers: 8 × $35 + 2 × $100 + $4,999 closing = $5,479; difference $26,275 − $5,479 = $20,796. Seller side: $4,999 flat fee vs $26,275; difference $21,276. All amounts are before sales tax. Any cash back depends on the cooperating commission, the services used and the contract terms.
Source: Jay Kuang fee schedule (this site) · Fees as of Oct 2026
Sources checked on October 13, 2026. Figures change; follow the links for the latest.
Schools
Markham is served by the York Region District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board. Boundaries change; confirm by address with each board. Jay does not rank or recommend schools.
Official links
Example: $1,200,000 purchase, 8 showings, 2 offers
For example, a 2.5% buyer-side commission would be about $30,000. In this example, Jay's service fee is $5,479, leaving an estimated cashback of $24,521. Commissions are negotiable and vary by property.
- Example: 2.5% buyer-side commission
- $30,000
- Jay's example service fee
- $5,479
- Estimated cashback
- $24,521
Cashback depends on purchase price, cooperating commission, actual services used, contract terms, and closing conditions. This example explains the model and is not a guarantee. Service fees exclude HST. Commissions are negotiable and not set by law.
Selling in Markham? $4,999 flat fee, full service — not just an MLS listing. See the seller plan
Markham buyer FAQ
Do I pay the City of Toronto land transfer tax when buying in Markham?
The City of Toronto's municipal land transfer tax applies to properties in the City of Toronto. Markham is a separate city in York Region; eligible first-time buyers may claim the Ontario refund. Confirm details with your lawyer.
Does a heritage district affect a home I buy in Unionville or Markham Village?
Properties inside Markham's heritage conservation districts follow the district plan for alterations and new development. Check the City of Markham heritage pages and ask your lawyer before you firm up an offer.
Which school board serves my Markham address?
Use the York Region District School Board school locator, or contact the York Catholic District School Board, with the exact address; boundaries can change.
How is cashback handled on a Markham purchase?
After closing, the buyer-side commission paid by the seller's brokerage, minus Jay's fees, is returned to you. It depends on price, cooperating commission, services used and contract terms, is not guaranteed, and is set out in your buyer representation agreement. Commissions are negotiable.