First-Time Buyer Series, Part 3: Choosing the Right Condo for Markham Condo Buyers

Welcome back to the First-Time Buyer Series. This is Part 3 of 6. In Part 1, we covered budgeting, down payment basics and mortgage pre-approval, and in Part 2 we walked through the government programs and incentives that can help first-time buyers. Now comes the fun part: choosing the condo itself.

Two units with similar asking prices can feel completely different once you live in them. Location, building age, amenities, layout and parking all affect your day-to-day life, your monthly costs and how easy the unit will be to sell one day. Here's how to compare your options with a clear head.

1. Start With Location

In Markham, location shapes your commute, your errands and your future resale appeal. Areas many condo buyers look at include:

• Downtown Markham / Markham Centre: a master-planned area near Highway 7 between Warden and Kennedy, with shops, restaurants, parks and many newer mid- and high-rise buildings.

• The Highway 7 corridor: the Viva Purple rapidway runs along Highway 7 with dedicated bus lanes, which makes east-west transit trips across York Region more predictable.

• Near GO stations: the Stouffville GO line has several stops in Markham, including Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy, with Milliken at the Toronto border. Living within walking distance of a station can make a downtown Toronto commute much easier.

• Highway access: if you drive to work, check how quickly you can reach Highway 404 or Highway 407 at rush hour.

Before you commit, do a trial run of your real commute at the time you'd actually travel, and walk the neighbourhood to see how far groceries, pharmacies and parks really are.

2. Weigh the Building's Age

Newer and older buildings each have trade-offs:

• Newer buildings often have modern finishes, efficient layouts and updated amenities. In Ontario, new condo units carry Tarion warranty coverage that runs one, two and seven years from the original possession date, so a resale unit in a newer building may still have some coverage left. Common elements are covered separately, through the condo corporation.

• Older buildings can offer more square footage and a longer track record you can review, but major components such as windows, elevators, roofs and mechanical systems may be due for repair or replacement. How well the building has planned for those costs matters a lot, and we'll dig into that in Part 4.

3. Pay Only for Amenities You'll Use

A gym, pool, party room, guest suites and a 24-hour concierge are great perks, but they're paid for through your monthly condo fees. Ask yourself which ones you'd use every week. If you'll never swim, a building with a pool may not be the best value for you. On the other hand, a well-run gym could replace a membership you're paying for now.

4. Look at the Layout, Not Just the Square Footage

A smart 600-square-foot layout can live larger than a poorly designed bigger unit. When you compare floor plans, look for:

• Usable space versus long hallways and awkward corners.

• Whether a den is a real room (a door, and ideally a window) or an open nook. This matters if you work from home.

• In two-bedroom units, a split-bedroom plan for privacy.

• Exposure and natural light, and whether your view could be blocked by future development nearby.

• In-suite laundry, closet and storage space, ceiling height and a usable balcony.

5. Parking and Locker: Don't Assume

Not every condo comes with a parking space or a locker, and they aren't all held the same way. Some are owned as separate units with their own title, while others are exclusive-use common elements assigned to a suite. Confirm exactly what's included in the listing and your agreement, and have your lawyer verify it. Even if you don't drive today, a parking space can affect resale value. If you have or plan to buy an electric vehicle, ask about the building's EV charging rules too.

Your Condo Touring Checklist

• Visit at different times, such as a weekday evening and a weekend, to gauge noise and activity.

• Check the lobby, hallways, garage and amenity rooms. Their condition says a lot about management.

• Note how many elevators there are and how long you wait for one.

• Run the taps, open the windows and balcony door, and look for water stains under sinks, around windows and on ceilings.

• Listen for noise from elevators, garbage chutes, mechanical rooms, busy roads or rail lines.

• Ask about building rules on pets, renovations, short-term rentals and booking the elevator for move-in.

• Take photos and notes for every unit so you can compare them later.

Confirm the Details

This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Building details, warranty status and parking or locker ownership should always be confirmed through the listing documents, the status certificate and your own real estate lawyer. Talk to your mortgage professional or tax advisor about anything that affects your financing or taxes.

Ready to Start Touring Markham Condos?

We'd love to help you narrow down the right buildings and units for your budget and lifestyle. Contact us for a free first-time buyer consultation, or to book a viewing:

• Brant Liu: 647-867-0586 | brantliu1018@gmail.com

• Sally Jiang, CPA: 647-968-3216 | SallyJiang628@hotmail.com

Coming up in Part 4: Understanding Condo Fees and the Status Certificate. We'll explain what your monthly fees cover, how reserve funds and special assessments work, and what your lawyer looks for in the status certificate.

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Brant Liu & Sally Jiang, Sales Representatives, T-One Group Realty Inc., Brokerage. This article is for general information and is not intended to solicit buyers or sellers already under contract.