September 2026 Real Estate Market Update: Markham, Stouffville and the GTA

As we head into September, the GTA real estate market continues to present a mix of opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers. While pricing remains softer than it was a year ago in several segments, there are signs of increased activity in some local markets, particularly for detached homes in Markham.

In this month's market update, Rachel Cavanagh of the Benczik Kavanagh Real Estate Team looks at the latest market trends for Markham, Stouffville and GTA condos, along with the current Bank of Canada interest rate and what homeowners should be considering as we move into the fall market.

Markham Detached Homes: Sales Are Picking Up

The Markham detached home market showed a noticeable increase in activity during August.

Sales increased 10% month over month and were approximately 56% higher than August of last year. While prices have not followed the same upward trajectory, the increase in sales suggests that buyers are becoming more active in the market.

Prices for Markham detached homes were down approximately 1% month over month, while the median price declined approximately 5% year over year.

Inventory is currently sitting at approximately 4.3 months, which provides buyers with more choice than they would experience in a highly competitive seller's market.

For sellers, however, the relatively limited supply of new listings creates an interesting opportunity.

Is September a Good Time to List Your Markham Home?

September can be an important transition point in the real estate calendar.

As families return to school and regular routines, many buyers who paused their home search during the summer begin looking again. At the same time, homeowners who have been considering a move may decide that fall is the right time to enter the market.

If you are considering selling later this fall, winter or even early next spring, there is another strategy worth considering: prepare your marketing now.

Professional photography can be completed while your gardens and landscaping are still in full bloom. Your home can then be strategically positioned for a future launch, allowing you to take advantage of summer curb appeal without necessarily having to sell immediately.

If you're thinking about selling, it's worth discussing your timing and options before making a decision.

Stouffville Detached Homes: A Stable Market With Limited Supply

The detached home market in Stouffville was somewhat quieter in August.

There were 22 detached home sales in August compared with 26 in July. While sales declined month over month, prices remained relatively stable and were approximately flat year over year.

Stouffville currently has approximately 4.5 months of inventory, putting it in a similar range to Markham.

The combination of relatively stable pricing and moderate inventory means that both buyers and sellers need to pay close attention to individual properties rather than relying solely on broad market statistics.

For sellers, proper pricing, presentation and timing remain critical. For buyers, the current market may provide more negotiating room than was available during the highly competitive markets of previous years.

GTA Condo Market Continues to Face Price Pressure

The condo market is telling a somewhat different story.

In the 416 area, condo sales were down approximately 0.2% year over year, while sales in the 905 region declined approximately 6.9%.

Prices also remain under pressure.

Condo prices were down approximately 2% year over year in the 416 and approximately 7.6% year over year in the 905.

This creates a very different environment from the detached-home market in Markham and Stouffville.

For condo owners considering selling, understanding the competition within your specific building and immediate neighbourhood is particularly important. Buyers have more options, and properties that are priced incorrectly can sit on the market significantly longer.

For buyers, softer prices may create opportunities, but it is still important to look beyond the purchase price. Maintenance fees, reserve funds, property taxes, building condition and upcoming assessments can all have a meaningful impact on the overall cost of ownership.

Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate at 2.25%

Another important factor heading into the fall market is the Bank of Canada's interest-rate environment.

The Bank of Canada has held its key interest rate at 2.25%.

Interest rates continue to influence buyer affordability, mortgage qualification and the decisions homeowners make about moving.

Even relatively small changes in borrowing costs can affect purchasing power, which is why buyers and sellers should consider their own financial circumstances rather than making decisions based solely on headlines about interest rates.

What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?

The September market is not a simple "buyer's market" or "seller's market" story.

Different property types and communities are behaving differently.

For buyers, there may be more opportunities to negotiate, particularly in segments where inventory is elevated and prices have softened. However, desirable homes that are properly priced can still attract significant attention.

For sellers, the key is not simply waiting for prices to rise. With relatively limited inventory in parts of Markham and Stouffville, a well-presented and appropriately priced property can stand out.

The biggest mistake sellers can make is assuming that the market will determine their home's value automatically. Pricing strategy, presentation, marketing and timing all matter.

Thinking About Selling This Fall or Winter?

If you've been considering a move but aren't sure whether now is the right time, September is an excellent opportunity to start planning.

You don't necessarily have to put your home on the market immediately.

A good preparation strategy might include:

• Reviewing recent sales and current competition

• Determining your home's realistic market value

• Identifying improvements that will provide the greatest return

• Completing professional photography while outdoor landscaping is at its best

• Developing a marketing strategy

• Determining whether a fall, winter or spring launch makes the most sense

The earlier you understand your options, the more flexibility you have with your timing.

FREE Rightsizing Information Session in Aurora

For homeowners considering a move to a smaller, more manageable home, we're also hosting a FREE Rightsizing Information Session this September.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Amica Aurora Promenade
15190 Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario

The session will bring together trusted professionals, including a lawyer, mortgage broker and downsizing specialist, to discuss the legal, financial and practical considerations involved in rightsizing.

And importantly, the seminar is not a sales presentation for Amica. You do not need to be considering a move to Amica to attend.

It's an opportunity to ask questions, understand your options and learn what the process of rightsizing could look like in today's real estate market.

Refreshments will be provided, and space is limited.

Have Questions About Your Local Real Estate Market?

Real estate statistics provide an important snapshot of what's happening in the market, but they don't tell the whole story.

The value and marketability of an individual property can vary considerably depending on its neighbourhood, condition, lot, renovations, layout, competition and timing.

If you're considering buying or selling in Markham, Stouffville or anywhere across York Region and the GTA, we'd be happy to discuss your specific situation and provide an assessment based on the most relevant local data.

RE/MAX All-Stars Benczik Kavanagh Real Estate Team
Tel: 905-477-7766
Email: info@bkteam.ca

Market statistics referenced in this article are based on the figures discussed in our September 2026 market update. Real estate conditions can change quickly, and individual property values may differ from broader market averages.

For a more detailed look at activity in Markham, Stouffville and Toronto. Click on the links below

Markham

• Detached Homes
• Semi-Detached Homes
• Townhomes
• Condominiums

Stouffville

• Detached Homes
• Semi-Detached Homes
• Townhomes
• Condominiums

Toronto

• Detached Homes
• Semi-Detached Homes
• Townhomes
• Condominiums