What should buyers know about living on a corner lot in Markham?A corner lot usually brings more light, a wider side yard and fewer neighbours, in exchange for more sidewalk frontage, more passing traffic and less backyard privacy. In Markham, fences along the exterior side yard of a corner lot are generally limited to 1.2 metres, lower than the 1.8 metres allowed in rear yards. Walk the lot at busy times, check the fence rules and think about daily upkeep before you offer.
Corner homes stand out on the street, and many have extra windows and a bigger side yard. Daily life on a corner, though, feels different from mid-block.
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 buyers think through what a corner lot means for everyday living, not only its size.
The day-to-day trade-offs
| What you may gain | What to weigh |
|---|---|
| More windows and light | Less privacy from two streets |
| A wider side yard | A smaller or shallower backyard on some lots |
| Fewer next-door neighbours | More cars and foot traffic past the house |
| Street presence | Headlights at night from turning cars |
Fences and privacy
Under Markham’s fence rules, fences in the front yard and the exterior side yard of a corner lot are generally limited to 1.2 metres (4 feet), while rear and interior side yards allow up to 1.8 metres (6 feet). That can limit how private the side yard feels. Hedges and planting help, but check sightline rules near the intersection before planting tall shrubs.
Snow and sidewalks
The City of Markham clears sidewalks after about 5 cm of snow, which helps corner owners with long frontage. You still clear your own driveway and walkways, and the plow windrow can be larger at corners. Leaf clean-up along two sides adds work in the fall.
Considering a corner home?
Michael John Lau can help you compare corner and mid-block homes on the streets you like.
Book a buyer consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Traffic and location on the block
- Visit during school drop-off and rush hour.
- Check whether the corner is at a stop sign or a busy collector road.
- Notice where the driveway is and how easy it is to back out.
- Look for a bus stop or community mailbox on the lot.
Future plans
Some corner lots offer more room for additions or a garden suite, but setbacks on the side facing the street are larger. Check zoning before you plan. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you offer.
A corner lot suits some households well. Walk it at the busiest time before you decide. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How high can a fence be on a Markham corner lot?
Generally 1.2 metres along the front and exterior side yard, and 1.8 metres in rear and interior side yards.
Do corner lots get more light?
Often, because they have windows on more sides.
Are corner lots noisier?
They can be, with more traffic and headlights from turning cars.
Who clears the sidewalk on a corner lot in Markham?
The City clears sidewalks after about 5 cm of snow. Owners clear driveways and walkways.
Do corner lots have bigger backyards?
Not always. Some have a wider side yard but a shallower backyard.
Can I build an addition on a corner lot?
Possibly, but the street-facing side often has larger setbacks. Check zoning first.
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. Fence heights are from the City of Markham Fences and Swimming Pools page. The sidewalk clearing threshold is from the City of Markham winter maintenance information. Confirm zoning and sightline rules with the City of Markham. 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.
