What changes when you move from a condo to a house in Markham?You gain space, privacy, parking and a yard, and you take over the jobs your condo corporation used to handle. In Markham, that means mowing, raking and clearing snow from your own driveway, setting out your green bin every week and clear-bag garbage every other week, and planning for furnace, roof and window repairs yourself. There is usually no condo fee, but you pay for utilities, insurance on the whole home and upkeep. Evenings tend to be quieter, and most errands are by car. Many families find the trade well worth it once they have a simple seasonal routine.
Many families move to Markham from a downtown or midtown Toronto condo when they need more room. The new home is bigger, the street is quieter and the parking is free. The daily routine changes too, sometimes in ways nobody mentions during the house hunt.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, walks first-time freehold buyers through the home’s systems on the final visit, from the furnace and water shut-off to the sump pump and electrical panel, so the first winter does not bring surprises.
What changes, at a glance
| Condo life | Freehold life in Markham | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fees | Condo fee for shared costs | Usually none; you pay costs directly |
| Repairs | Building repairs handled by the corporation | Roof, windows, furnace and exterior are yours |
| Snow and lawn | Handled by the building | Your driveway, walkway and lawn |
| Garbage | Chute or garbage room | Curbside collection on set days |
| Parking | Assigned spot, visitor rules | Garage and driveway |
| Noise | Neighbours above and beside | Fewer shared walls, quieter evenings |
| Errands | Often walkable | Mostly by car |
Garbage, recycling and green bin days
Curbside collection is one of the biggest day-to-day changes. In Markham:
- Green bin organics are collected every week.
- Garbage is collected every other week and must be in clear bags. Black, dark, tinted or white bags are not accepted, though you can use up to four smaller privacy bags inside.
- Yard material is collected every other week from April to October, and weekly from November to mid-December.
- Set-out time: by 7 a.m. on collection day or after 7 p.m. the night before. In winter, the City suggests putting material out in the morning.
Check the City’s collection calendar for your street. For the full rules, see Markham’s garbage and recycling rules.
Lawn, snow and the seasons
| Season | Typical jobs |
|---|---|
| Spring | Clean eavestroughs, check the sump pump, start lawn care, inspect the roof after winter |
| Summer | Mow and water, service the air conditioner, check decks and fences |
| Fall | Rake leaves, clean eavestroughs again, shut off outdoor taps, service the furnace |
| Winter | Shovel or snow-blow the driveway and walkway, watch for ice dams, change furnace filters |
Many owners hire lawn care or snow removal services, so add that to the budget if you prefer not to do it yourself. Before building a deck, shed or widening a driveway, check the permit rules in decks, sheds and driveways: Markham permit rules.
Ready to move from a condo to a house?
Michael John Lau can help you compare townhouses and semis, plan the sale of your condo and settle into Markham with confidence.
Book a move-up consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Parking, storage and space
One of the happiest changes for condo movers is space. A garage and driveway mean no more visitor-parking rules or elevator trips with groceries. A basement or garage gives room for bikes, strollers, sports gear and seasonal items that used to live in a storage locker. Space fills quickly, though. Shelving, hooks and a simple system for the garage and basement keep it useful.
Check street parking rules too. Many Markham streets limit overnight or long-term parking, so plan for guests and extra vehicles on your driveway where possible.
Selling the condo
Most condo-to-house moves start with selling the condo. Price it from recent sales in your building, present it well, and line up your closing dates so you are not carrying both for long. In the current market, buyers have choices, so a well-prepared condo stands out. For timing options, see the sale of property condition for move-up buyers.
The money side
- No condo fee in most cases, but some townhouses that share a private laneway pay a smaller monthly fee.
- A repair reserve: many owners set aside 1% to 2% of the home’s value each year for maintenance, a common planning guideline.
- Utilities: water, hydro and gas are all billed to you, and a house uses more than a condo.
- Insurance: you insure the whole building, not just the unit.
For a full comparison, see freehold townhouse vs. condo: the real cost.
Adjusting to suburban rhythms
Evenings are quieter, streets empty earlier, and the background hum of the city fades. Most families love it, though some miss walking to a restaurant or grocery store. A few things help the transition: get to know neighbours early, find your nearest community centre and park, and learn the best routes to the plazas you will use most. Living near a main street, such as Main Street Unionville or Main Street Markham, can keep some of that walkable feel. See Main Street Unionville vs. Main Street Markham.
Your first-month checklist
- Find the main water shut-off, electrical panel and furnace filter.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every floor.
- Learn your collection days and buy clear garbage bags.
- Set up utility accounts and home insurance.
- Book a furnace and air conditioner service if records are not available.
- Meet your neighbours.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information.
Moving from a condo to a house is a big step, and a simple routine makes the new lifestyle easy to enjoy. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What changes when moving from a condo to a house?
You gain space, privacy and parking, and take over jobs the condo used to handle, such as snow and lawn care, curbside garbage and repairs to the roof, furnace and windows.
How often is garbage collected in Markham?
Green bin organics are collected every week, and clear-bag garbage every other week. Yard material is collected every other week from April to October and weekly from November to mid-December.
Does Markham require clear garbage bags?
Yes. Garbage must be in clear bags. Black, dark, tinted or white bags are not accepted, though you can use up to four smaller privacy bags inside the clear bag.
Do freehold homes in Markham have monthly fees?
Most do not. Some townhouses that share a private laneway or other common elements pay a smaller monthly fee, so ask before you buy.
How much should I budget for maintenance on a house?
A common guideline is 1% to 2% of the home’s value each year. Older homes and homes with original roofs, furnaces or windows may need more.
Who clears snow from my driveway in Markham?
Homeowners are responsible for clearing their own driveways and walkways. Many hire a snow removal service. Check the City’s winter rules for parking and garbage set-out during snow events.
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. Collection details are from the City of Markham’s curbside collection page, as available on October 6, 2026. Maintenance guidance is general. Check the City’s collection calendar and by-laws for your street. 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.
