Where can Markham empty nesters find space and less maintenance without moving to a condo?Empty nesters who want less upkeep but not a condo usually choose among three options in Markham: a bungalow or bungalow loft, often in established areas such as Unionville, Markham Village and Thornhill; a townhome with a main-floor primary bedroom; or a home in a community where a corporation handles snow and lawn care for a monthly fee. Bungalows are in limited supply and often draw strong interest. Townhomes on shared roads trade monthly fees for less work. The right choice depends on stairs, yard size and how much maintenance you want to hand off.
Many empty nesters do not want a condo. They want a garden, a garage and room for family visits, just with fewer stairs and less work.
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 empty nesters compare these options by daily life, monthly cost and the next ten years, not only by price. For the condo route, see downsizing to a luxury condo.
Your options compared
| Option | What you get | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Bungalow | One-floor living, yard, garage | Limited supply; older homes may need updates |
| Bungalow loft | Main-floor primary bedroom, upstairs space for guests | Fewer available in Markham |
| Townhome with main-floor primary | Less yard work, newer construction | Shared walls; some have stairs to the garage |
| Townhome on a shared road (POTL or condo) | Snow and some lawn care handled for a fee | Monthly fees and rules |
| Detached home with a main-floor bedroom | Space and privacy, with a main-floor option | More yard and exterior maintenance |
Where bungalows are
Most of Markham’s bungalows were built in the 1950s to 1980s, so they are found mainly in the established parts of Unionville, Markham Village, Thornhill and older subdivisions. Many sit on larger lots, which also attract builders and renovators, so competition can come from more than one type of buyer. See the aging in place guide for accessibility features.
Townhomes and maintained communities
Newer areas such as Cornell, Wismer and Berczy include townhomes, some with main-floor primary bedrooms. In common element (POTL) or condo townhome communities, a corporation may handle snow clearing on shared roads and some landscaping. Read the documents to see exactly what the fee covers. See the Markham townhouse buyer’s guide.
Ready for less upkeep but not a condo?
Michael John Lau can short-list bungalows and low-maintenance homes that fit your next chapter.
Book a consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
What to look for
- A main-floor primary bedroom and full bathroom.
- Few or no steps at the entrance and from the garage.
- Wide doorways and space for a walk-in shower later.
- A manageable yard, or one that is easy to simplify.
- Guest space for visiting children and grandchildren.
- Close to health care, shopping and transit.
Costs to compare
| Cost | Bungalow | Shared-road townhome |
|---|---|---|
| Property tax | Based on assessed value | Based on assessed value |
| Monthly fees | Usually none | Common element or condo fee |
| Snow and lawn | You arrange it | Often partly covered |
| Major repairs | Roof, windows, systems on you | Depends on what the corporation covers |
Health care and daily services
For many empty nesters, being close to care and services matters more each year. Cornell and East Markham sit near Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital, while Thornhill and Unionville are closer to Yonge Street and Highway 7 services. Check the drive or transit trip to your family doctor, pharmacy, grocery store and community centre, and whether those trips are easy in winter.
Selling the family home first
Most empty nesters are also selling. Because bungalows are in short supply, some buyers prefer to buy first with a sale of property condition or bridge financing. Others sell first and rent briefly. See sell first or buy first for how to decide.
Before you decide
- List what you want to stop doing: stairs, snow, gardening or repairs.
- Decide how much space you need for family visits.
- Compare monthly costs, including fees.
- Visit at different times to check noise and neighbours.
- Think ten years ahead, including health and mobility.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before your next move.
Less maintenance does not have to mean less home. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find a bungalow in Markham?
Mostly in established areas such as Unionville, Markham Village, Thornhill and older subdivisions built in the 1950s to 1980s.
What is a bungalow loft?
A home with the primary bedroom on the main floor and extra rooms upstairs for guests.
Are there townhomes with main-floor primary bedrooms in Markham?
Some newer communities include them. Check the stairs to the garage and entrance.
What does a POTL fee cover?
It depends on the community, but it often covers shared road snow clearing and some landscaping. Read the documents.
Should empty nesters buy or sell first?
It depends on your finances and the market. Bungalows are in limited supply, so some buyers buy first with protection in place.
Are bungalows a good investment?
They are in limited supply and appeal to downsizers, families and builders, which supports demand. Condition and lot matter.
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 and housing-type descriptions are general and vary by street and builder. Fee coverage varies by community; review the corporation's documents. 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.
