UnionCity vs. Gallery Towers — Markham’s Two Biggest Condo Projects Head-to-Head
Two projects dominate Markham's pre-construction landscape in 2026 — and they're competing for the same buyers. Michael John Lau & Neeraj Moolchandani give the honest head-to-head on price, developer, location, and DC protection.
Two projects dominate Markham’s active pre-construction condo landscape in 2026 — and they are competing for many of the same buyers. The average price per square foot for pre-construction condos in Markham is approximately $1,035, with average rent of $2,500/month and a vacancy rate of only 1% to 2%. Both UnionCity and Gallery Towers sit squarely in this market, but they are genuinely different products targeting different buyers.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani, top real estate agents in Markham Ontario, have reviewed both projects in detail. Here is the honest head-to-head.
UnionCity — The City Within a City
UnionCity Condos is a master-planned community by Metropia at Enterprise Boulevard and Birchmount Road in Unionville. Three towers — 40, 44, and 36 storeys — deliver up to 1,400 units across a 12-acre site, with residences, recreation, offices, retail, and parks. Tower 1 occupancy targets September 2027, Tower 2 January 2028, Tower 3 March 2028. Pricing starts from the $900s; Tower 2 averages approximately $1,192 to $1,205 per square foot.
UnionCity sits immediately adjacent to the York University Markham Campus, within walking distance of Unionville GO Station, and directly in the IndyCar circuit footprint. Developer Metropia has an established GTA master-planned track record. Key buyer protection: development charges capped at $9,999 per unit — one of the most buyer-protective DC terms in Markham’s active market. Suites run 694 to 901 square feet for two-bed to three-bed-plus-media — practical, livable sizes larger than many competitors.
The case for UnionCity: the most transformative intersection in Markham (York University, IndyCar, Unionville GO, VIVA, the full Downtown Markham master plan), DC cost certainty, and the critical mass of amenity that smaller projects cannot replicate. The caution: 1,400 units across three towers means significant resale and rental competition as the towers complete simultaneously between 2027 and 2028 — investors should model conservatively.
Gallery Towers — The Remington Flagship
Gallery Towers is the Remington Group’s flagship in Downtown Markham, at 190 Enterprise Boulevard, directly adjacent to the IndyCar circuit and within the 243-acre Remington master plan. It is selling from the high $600,000s for one-bedroom and one-plus-den configurations — 38 storeys, 552 units, with townhome configurations at grade.
Gallery Towers sits inside an established urban fabric — the Toronto Marriott Markham, Whole Foods, Cineplex VIP IMAX, a $25 million public art program, and the York University campus. Remington built Downtown Markham from scratch over 20 years and has delivered every phase as promised — no developer in Markham has a more established track record for this location. Maintenance fees are approximately $0.63 per square foot — among the lowest of Markham’s new high-rises, helped by LEED Silver certification.
The case for Gallery Towers: Remington’s track record, the already-established amenity ecosystem, the lower price point ($600s vs $900s), and proven rental demand from the adjacent campus. The caution: at 552 units it is a significant addition but not a destination community in the way UnionCity’s 1,400-unit campus aspires to be.
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Michael John Lau & Neeraj Moolchandani provide VIP and Platinum access to both UnionCity and Gallery Towers for registered buyer clients.
Register for Platinum Access (647) 370-8885The Head-to-Head Verdict
| Factor | UnionCity | Gallery Towers |
|---|---|---|
| Price entry point | From $900s | From high $600s |
| Developer track record | Strong | Exceptional (built Downtown Markham) |
| Location | York U adjacent, Unionville GO walk | Inside established Downtown Markham |
| DC protection | $9,999 cap | Standard market terms |
| Scale | 1,400 units, 3 towers | 552 units, 1 tower |
| Occupancy | 2027–2028 | 2026–2027 |
| Maintenance fees | ~$0.65/sq ft | ~$0.63/sq ft |
| Rental demand driver | York U + GO Train | York U + Marriott + Whole Foods + IndyCar |
For first-time buyers and end-users who want immediate occupancy and proven surroundings: Gallery Towers. For investors and buyers who want the largest master-planned community experience and are comfortable with 2027–2028 occupancy: UnionCity.
Both benefit from the HST rebate of up to $130,000 on agreements signed before March 31, 2027 — but Gallery Towers’ lower pricing means the full rebate applies to more configurations, making the effective entry-cost difference larger than the sticker price suggests. Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani, top real estate agents in Markham Ontario, provide VIP and Platinum access to both UnionCity and Gallery Towers for registered buyer clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between UnionCity and Gallery Towers?
UnionCity (Metropia) is a 1,400-unit, three-tower master-planned community from the $900s, adjacent to York University with a $9,999 DC cap. Gallery Towers (Remington) is a 552-unit single tower from the high $600s inside the already-established Downtown Markham.
Which Markham condo is better for first-time buyers?
Gallery Towers generally suits first-time buyers and end-users — lower entry price (high $600s), earlier occupancy (2026–2027), and proven surrounding amenities. UnionCity suits buyers wanting the largest master-planned community and comfortable with 2027–2028 occupancy.
Does UnionCity have a development charge cap?
Yes — UnionCity caps development charges at $9,999 per unit, one of the most buyer-protective DC terms in Markham's active pre-construction market, limiting your exposure to future DC increases before the building permit is issued.
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