Where can seniors find bungalows and accessible homes in Markham?Bungalows are scarce in Markham because most homes built since the 1990s are two or three storeys. The best places to look are mature neighbourhoods built in the 1950s to 1980s, such as Bullock near CF Markville, parts of Markham Village and established Thornhill streets, where one-level homes are more common. For aging in place, many families weigh proximity to Markham Stouffville Hospital at 381 Church Street, a main-floor bedroom and bathroom, and low-step entrances. Renovations to improve access may qualify for the federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit, which covers up to $20,000 of eligible expenses each year at a 15% rate.
Many Markham parents bought their homes decades ago, when stairs were not a concern. Now the bedrooms are upstairs, the laundry is in the basement and the front entrance has several steps. Staying in the community they love often means finding, or creating, a home that works on one level.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, helps older homeowners and their adult children compare three options: adapting the current home, buying a bungalow or moving to a building with elevators.
Why one-level homes are rare in Markham
Much of Markham’s housing was built in the 1990s and 2000s, when larger two-storey family homes on smaller lots were the norm. Bungalows are concentrated in older areas built after the Second World War and through the 1970s and 1980s. Many of those have since been renovated or replaced with larger homes, so the supply of original bungalows keeps shrinking.
Where to look
| Area | What you may find | Nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Bullock | Homes mostly from the 1950s and 1960s, including bungalows on larger lots | CF Markville, Milne Dam Conservation Park, Centennial Community Centre |
| Markham Village | Older homes on established streets near Main Street Markham | Markham GO, shops, Markham Stouffville Hospital a short drive away |
| Established Thornhill streets | Mature homes on larger lots | Yonge Street services and Thornhill Community Centre |
From public neighbourhood descriptions, as of October 12, 2026. Supply changes often, so watch listings early.
Being close to care
Markham Stouffville Hospital, part of Oak Valley Health, is at 381 Church Street near Bur Oak Avenue. Many families also consider the drive to a family doctor, pharmacy, grocery store and community centre. Bullock, for example, is near CF Markville, a Loblaws at Bullock Drive and McCowan Road, and the Centennial Community Centre with its pool, rink and gym, which makes daily errands short.
Looking for a bungalow in Markham?
Michael John Lau can watch for one-level homes in mature neighbourhoods and help you compare them with adapting your current home.
Book a consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Adapting your current home
| Change | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Grab bars and a walk-in shower | Reduces the risk of falls in the bathroom |
| Main-floor bedroom and bathroom | Allows one-level living without moving |
| Stair lift or home elevator | Keeps upper floors usable |
| Ramp or low-step entrance | Easier access with a walker or wheelchair |
| Better lighting and lever handles | Low-cost improvements for daily safety |
Structural changes such as adding a main-floor bathroom or a home elevator may need a building permit. A licensed contractor and, where needed, an occupational therapist can help plan changes that will last.
The Home Accessibility Tax Credit
The federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit lets eligible taxpayers claim up to $20,000 a year of qualifying renovation expenses at the lowest federal tax rate of 15%, worth up to $3,000. Generally, the renovation must help a person who is 65 or older, or eligible for the disability tax credit, access the home, move around it or reduce the risk of harm. Confirm eligibility with the CRA or an accountant before you renovate.
Other ways to stay close to family
Some families create a separate, accessible space instead of moving. A garden suite or basement apartment may allow a parent to live close by with privacy, if zoning and the building code allow it. See legal basement suite rules in Markham. Others choose a condo with elevators and no exterior upkeep. See downsizing to luxury condo living.
Talking about it as a family
Conversations about aging in place can be sensitive. It helps to start early, focus on what the parent wants rather than what worries the family, and visit options together. Some families begin with small changes, like grab bars and better lighting, and revisit bigger decisions each year. Writing down the plan, including who will help with what, keeps everyone on the same page and avoids rushed decisions after a fall or illness.
How to decide
- List daily needs: stairs, bathroom access, laundry, parking and outdoor space.
- Get a quote for adapting the current home.
- Compare it with the cost of selling and buying a bungalow, including land transfer tax and moving.
- Consider distance to family, doctors and the hospital.
- Plan for the next ten years, not just the next one.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information.
Aging in place works best when the plan starts early, while every option is still open. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Are there bungalows in Markham?
Yes, but they are limited. Most are in mature neighbourhoods built from the 1950s to the 1980s, such as Bullock, parts of Markham Village and established Thornhill streets.
Where is Markham Stouffville Hospital?
Markham Stouffville Hospital, part of Oak Valley Health, is at 381 Church Street in Markham, near Bur Oak Avenue.
What is the Home Accessibility Tax Credit?
It is a federal credit for up to $20,000 a year of qualifying renovation expenses, at a 15% rate, for homes of people 65 or older or eligible for the disability tax credit.
Do I need a permit to add a main-floor bathroom?
Often, yes. Plumbing and structural changes usually need a building permit. Check with the City of Markham before work begins.
Is it better to renovate or buy a bungalow?
Compare the renovation cost with the cost of selling, buying and moving. If the current home can be adapted affordably, staying may make sense.
What is near the Bullock neighbourhood?
Bullock is near CF Markville, Milne Dam Conservation Park, a Loblaws at Bullock Drive and McCowan Road, and the Centennial Community Centre.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Neighbourhood descriptions are from public sources including Wahi’s Bullock neighbourhood guide. Hospital details are from Ontario health service listings. Tax credit details are from the Canada Revenue Agency, as available on October 12, 2026. Confirm eligibility and permits for your situation. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
