What should you do when moving from Toronto to Markham?Moving from Toronto to Markham starts before you buy. Markham has no municipal land transfer tax, so on a $1.2 million home a buyer saves about $20,475 compared with Toronto. Markham’s 2026 residential tax rate is 0.722889%, compared with Toronto’s 0.767311%. After closing, update your driver’s licence and vehicle permit within six days, change your health card address, set up Alectra and Enbridge accounts, learn Markham’s waste rules, and register children with the York Region District School Board or York Catholic District School Board.
Many Toronto households move to Markham for more space, a yard, school options or to be closer to family. The move is only a short drive, but almost every account, service and routine changes once you cross Steeles Avenue.
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 Toronto buyers plan the move from the first neighbourhood tour to the first week in their new home.
Before you buy: what changes financially
| On a $1.2 million home | Toronto | Markham |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario land transfer tax | $20,475 | $20,475 |
| Municipal land transfer tax | $20,475 | None |
| Total land transfer tax | $40,950 | $20,475 |
| 2026 residential tax rate | 0.767311% | 0.722889% |
Before first-time buyer refunds. Property tax is based on MPAC assessed value, not purchase price.
If you are selling a Toronto home to buy in Markham, plan the timing of both closings. See should you sell first or buy first in Markham.
Choosing the right neighbourhood
Start with your daily routine. Buyers working downtown often look near the GO Stouffville line, with stations at Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy, or near Highway 404 and 407. Families often compare school boundaries first. Buyers who want walkable main streets often look at Unionville and Markham Village. For commute times, see the Markham to downtown Toronto commute, and for the bigger picture, relocating to Markham: the complete 2026 guide.
Four to six weeks before moving day
- Book movers, especially for a month-end date.
- Give notice to your landlord if you rent, following the required notice period.
- Arrange home insurance for the Markham property, effective on closing.
- Contact the school board to ask about registration and your school boundary.
- Book a Canada Post mail forwarding service.
- Collect records from Toronto doctors, dentists and veterinarians if you plan to switch.
Planning a move from Toronto?
Michael John Lau can help you compare Markham neighbourhoods, plan the timing of both moves and avoid surprises at closing.
Book a relocation consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Two weeks before: utilities and services
| Service | Provider in Markham |
|---|---|
| Electricity | Alectra Utilities |
| Natural gas | Enbridge Gas |
| Water | City of Markham |
| Internet and phone | Your choice of provider |
| Hot water tank or furnace rental | Check the agreement included with the home |
Close or transfer your Toronto Hydro, Enbridge and water accounts for the date you leave.
The first week in Markham
- Driver’s licence and vehicle permit: Ontario requires an address change within six days of moving, online or at ServiceOntario.
- Health card: update your OHIP address with ServiceOntario.
- Canada Revenue Agency: change your address through My Account.
- Banks, employer, insurance and credit cards.
- Voters’ list: update your address with Elections Ontario and Elections Canada.
- Property tax: confirm the City of Markham has your mailing details and payment plan.
Getting to know Markham’s services
- Waste and recycling: Markham uses blue box, green bin and garbage collection on set days. Check the city’s collection calendar and bin rules for your street.
- Library: sign up for a free Markham Public Library card.
- Recreation: register for programs at your local community centre. See the Markham community centres guide.
- Parking: check overnight street parking rules before leaving a car on the road.
- Transit: York Region Transit and Viva replace the TTC for local trips.
Moving with children, pets and a home office
If you have school-age children, try to time the move for a natural break, such as the end of a term, and visit the new school together before the first day. Look up nearby parks, libraries and recreation programs so the first weekends feel familiar quickly. Pet owners should update microchip details and check the city’s pet licensing rules. If you work from home, book internet installation for moving day or earlier, because a delay can mean several days without a reliable connection. Keep a first-night box with chargers, bedding, toiletries, basic tools and paperwork for closing, so the first evening in Markham is calm rather than spent searching through boxes.
What feels different after the move
Toronto buyers often notice more space for the price, a quieter pace on residential streets and more reliance on a car for daily errands. Many also find strong school options, a wide range of food and cultural communities, and parks and trails close to home. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information so the move feels organized, not rushed.
A good move is a planned move, from the first showing to the first green bin day. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does Markham have a municipal land transfer tax?
No. Markham buyers pay only Ontario land transfer tax. On a $1.2 million home, that saves about $20,475 compared with buying in Toronto.
Is property tax lower in Markham than Toronto?
Markham’s 2026 residential tax rate is 0.722889%, compared with Toronto’s 0.767311%. Your bill depends on your home’s assessed value.
How soon do I need to update my driver's licence after moving?
Ontario requires you to update the address on your driver’s licence and vehicle permit within six days of moving.
Who provides electricity and gas in Markham?
Electricity is provided by Alectra Utilities and natural gas by Enbridge Gas. Water is billed by the City of Markham.
How do I register my child for school in Markham?
Contact the York Region District School Board or York Catholic District School Board, confirm your school boundary and book registration.
Can I take the GO train from Markham to downtown Toronto?
Yes. The GO Stouffville line serves Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy stations, with service to Union Station.
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. Land transfer tax is calculated at Ontario and City of Toronto rates. Tax rates are from the City of Markham and City of Toronto 2026 rate schedules. Address change rules are from ServiceOntario. Confirm current details with each provider. 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.
