What should Markham buyers and sellers do before the winter slowdown?Markham entered fall 2026 in balanced territory. TRREB reported 245 sales in September at an average of $1,125,353, with 729 new listings, 1,122 active listings and 4.1 months of inventory on a trend basis. Homes sold for about 98% of list price on average. For sellers, the next six weeks are the last strong window before listings and buyers thin out for the holidays, so price from recent sales and launch well. For buyers, fall brings choice and room to negotiate. Watch the Bank of Canada’s October 28 decision, and have a pre-approval ready.
Every year, the Markham market changes rhythm after Thanksgiving. Families focus on school and the holidays, fewer homes are listed, and the buyers who remain tend to be serious. That creates opportunities on both sides, if you plan for it.
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 and sellers decide whether to act this fall or wait for spring, using the latest numbers rather than guesswork.
Where the market stands
| Markham, September 2026 (TRREB) | Figure |
|---|---|
| Sales | 245 |
| Average price | $1,125,353 |
| Median price | $1,051,000 |
| New listings | 729 |
| Active listings | 1,122 |
| Months of inventory (trend) | 4.1 |
| Average sold vs list price | 98% |
| Listing and property days on market | 34 and 50 |
TRREB September 2026 Market Watch, released October 6, 2026.
Compared with August, when TRREB reported 282 Markham sales at an average of $1,208,692, September brought fewer sales and a lower average, as new listings jumped from 584 to 729. Compared with September 2025, the average price was down 4.4%, but active listings were down about 10%, so the market is tighter than it was a year ago even with softer prices.
What usually happens in November and December
Late fall typically brings fewer new listings and fewer buyers. Some sellers take their homes off the market until spring, and many buyers pause for the holidays. The buyers who stay active are often motivated by a job change, a growing family or a lease ending. With fewer homes to compare, a well-priced listing can stand out, while an overpriced one can sit through the holidays and feel stale by January.
For sellers: a six-week plan
- Price from the last 90 days of sales, not from spring. Buyers in September paid about 98% of list price on average for homes they saw as priced fairly.
- Finish small repairs and paint now, before cold weather limits exterior work.
- Book photos on a bright day and include fall exterior shots, not last summer’s garden.
- Light the home well for shorter days and evening showings.
- Plan the first two weeks of showings and an open house, when interest is highest.
- Decide your holiday plan: keep the listing active through December, or set a clear relaunch date in January.
Deciding between fall and spring?
Michael John Lau can compare a fall sale or purchase with a spring plan, using current Markham sales.
Book a consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
For buyers: how to use the fall window
- Get a full pre-approval and ask how long your rate hold lasts.
- Use the choice: with 1,122 active listings in September, you can compare several homes before deciding.
- Keep reasonable conditions for financing and inspection. Sellers are more open to them in a balanced market.
- Look at homes that have been listed for a while. Sellers who have waited through fall may be more flexible on price and closing dates.
- Inspect in fall weather: it is a good time to check heating, eavestroughs and drainage.
Dates to watch
| Date | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| October 16 to 26 | Markham municipal election voting, with housing and taxes on the agenda |
| October 28 | Bank of Canada interest rate decision |
| Early November | TRREB’s October market report |
| Mid-December | The usual start of the holiday slowdown |
The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on September 2, 2026, and said tariffs had increased uncertainty around the recovery.
Should you wait for spring?
Spring usually brings more buyers and more listings. For sellers, that means more competition as well as more demand. For buyers, it can mean more choice but also more multiple offers. If you have a firm reason to move, such as a job, school or family change, fall can work well. If you have flexibility, compare what a fall sale or purchase would look like with a spring plan before deciding.
For a move-up plan, see whether to sell first or buy first.
Winter-ready checklist for homeowners
- Clean eavestroughs and downspouts after the leaves fall.
- Shut off outdoor taps and drain hoses.
- Service the furnace and change the filter.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Seal gaps around windows and doors.
A home that is ready for winter also shows better if you decide to list in January. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information.
The weeks before the holidays reward buyers and sellers who plan ahead. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Is fall a good time to sell a house in Markham?
It can be. Serious buyers stay active in fall, and fewer listings mean less competition. Price from recent sales and launch before the holiday slowdown.
How many homes sold in Markham in September 2026?
TRREB reported 245 Markham sales in September 2026, with an average price of $1,125,353 and a median of $1,051,000.
Is Markham a buyer’s or seller’s market right now?
Markham had 4.1 months of inventory on TRREB’s trend measure in September 2026, which is balanced territory, with some room for buyers to negotiate.
When is the next Bank of Canada rate decision?
The next scheduled announcement is October 28, 2026. The policy rate was held at 2.25% on September 2, 2026.
Should I keep my home listed over the holidays?
It depends on your timeline. Some buyers shop in December and face less competition. Others prefer to relist in January with fresh photos and a clear plan.
Should I wait until spring to buy?
Spring usually brings more listings but also more competition. Fall offers choice and room to negotiate if you are ready to buy.
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. Market figures are from TRREB’s September 2026 Market Watch (October 6, 2026). Rate information is from the Bank of Canada’s September 2, 2026 decision. Election dates are from Elections 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.
