What does it mean to live on an unassumed street in a new Markham subdivision?A new subdivision is unassumed until the City formally takes over its roads and services from the developer. Until then, the developer is responsible for items such as regular street cleaning, planting and replacing street trees, and the builder remains responsible for lot grading and drainage problems. The City holds security from the developer to make sure deficiencies are fixed. Ask the City’s Engineering Department about a street’s status before buying a newer resale home.
New phases in Cornell, Box Grove, Berczy Glen and Victoria Square offer modern homes and parks still taking shape. They also come with a period when the subdivision is still in the developer’s hands.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, explains this stage to buyers of new and nearly new homes so the first few years have fewer surprises.
Who handles what before assumption
| Item | Typically responsible |
|---|---|
| Street cleaning during construction | Developer |
| Street trees and replacements | Developer, under the approved landscape plan |
| Lot grading and drainage problems | Builder, until assumption |
| Driveway paving | A private matter between builder and owner |
| Construction debris | Developer |
Common features of new streets
- A base layer of asphalt with raised manholes until the final top coat
- Mud and dust while nearby lots are still being built
- Sod and trees planted after homes and sidewalks are complete
Grading and deposits
A consulting engineer certifies lot grading to the City, and the builder remains responsible for settlement until the City assumes the development. Some builders collect a grading deposit from buyers; the City does not set its terms, so check your purchase agreement.
Buying in a new Markham community?
Michael John Lau can help you ask the right questions about grading, deposits and assumption.
Book a buyer consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Before you buy a newer resale
- Ask the seller whether grading has been certified and any deposit returned.
- Check the survey before installing a fence; it must sit fully on private property.
- Contact the City’s Engineering Department about assumption status.
- Note that the City does not permit driveway widening or curb cuts in new subdivisions.
Living through the final phase
Patience helps during the last stages of construction. Report unresolved grading or drainage problems to the builder first, then to the City. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you buy.
New neighbourhoods settle in over time. Knowing who is responsible helps. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is an unassumed street?
A subdivision street the City has not yet formally taken over from the developer.
Who cleans the streets before assumption?
The developer must clean streets regularly until assumption.
Who fixes grading problems in a new subdivision?
The builder, until the City assumes the development.
What is a grading deposit?
A deposit some builders collect from buyers; terms are set in your purchase agreement.
Can I widen my driveway in a new subdivision?
The City does not permit driveway widening or curb cuts in new subdivisions.
How do I check a street's status?
Contact the City of Markham Engineering Department.
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. Responsibilities are from the City of Markham FAQ on unassumed subdivisions (May 2015). Practices may have changed; confirm current details with the City of Markham Engineering Department. 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.
