Blog > What Markhamâ€s Office, Retail and Employment Hubs Mean for Nearby Housing Demand
What Markhamâ€s Office, Retail and Employment Hubs Mean for Nearby Housing Demand
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Michael John Lau is a top real estate agent in Markham and a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region. He helps relocating professionals and investors look at where people work before deciding where to buy.
How do Markham employment hubs affect housing demand nearby
Markham calls itself Canada’s high-tech capital. The City says it has over 1,000 tech and life science firms employing about 37,000 people, plus more than 400 Canadian head offices. Major hubs include IBM Canada on Warden Avenue, Aviva Canada in Downtown Markham, Markham Stouffville Hospital in Cornell and York University’s Markham Campus, built for 4,200 students. Homes close to these hubs, and to the Viva Highway 7 rapidway and GO Stouffville line, tend to draw commuters and renters. New housing planned on commercial sites, such as about 4,340 units at Markville, will add supply nearby.
Why Employment Hubs Matter to Homeowners
Jobs bring people, and people need homes nearby. When a large employer, campus or hospital sits close to a neighbourhood, it can support steady demand from buyers who want shorter commutes and from renters such as students, new hires and medical staff. The effect is usually strongest for condos and rentals within walking or transit distance.
Markham’s Main Hubs and the Homes Nearby
| Hub | Where | Nearby homes | Typical demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Markham and Markham Centre: Aviva Canada HQ, York University Markham Campus | Highway 7 and Warden to Kennedy | Condos and townhomes in Downtown Markham and Unionville | Students, young professionals, downsizers |
| IBM Canada, 8200 Warden Avenue | Warden north of Highway 7 | Condos in Markham Centre; homes in Unionville and Cachet | Tech professionals, families |
| Commerce Valley and Leslie Street | Highway 7, Leslie, Highways 404 and 407 | Condos in Commerce Valley; homes in Bayview Glen and Thornhill | Commuters, renters |
| Markham Stouffville Hospital, 381 Church Street | Cornell | Townhomes and detached homes in Cornell and Box Grove | Healthcare staff, young families |
| Retail hubs: CF Markville, Pacific Mall, Highway 7 plazas | McCowan and Highway 7; Kennedy and Steeles | Homes in central and south Markham | Retail workers, families who value nearby shopping |
York University’s Markham Campus
York University’s Markham Campus at 1 University Boulevard opened its building in 2024 and has room for 4,200 students, with a focus on technology and entrepreneurship. Campuses can support demand for condo rentals and shared housing nearby, as well as cafes and services. In September 2026, Rentals.ca reported Markham averages of $2,092 for one-bedroom and $2,529 for two-bedroom units.
Relocating for work in Markham? Call Michael John Lau, REALTOR®, at (416) 700-0286 to compare neighbourhoods near your workplace.
New Housing Planned on Commercial Land
- CF Markville: a long-term plan for about 4,340 units in 14 buildings at Highway 7 and McCowan Road.
- Le Parc, 8500 Leslie Street: a proposal for four towers with about 1,183 units near Highway 7, keeping the existing office buildings in its first phase.
These plans can bring new parks, shops and transit-friendly streets over time. They also add condo supply, which matters for nearby condo owners and landlords. Proposals can change before approval.
Transit Connects the Hubs
The Viva Purple line runs on the Highway 7 rapidway from Richmond Hill Centre to Cornell, with Markham stops including Woodbine, Warden, Kennedy, McCowan and Markham Stouffville Hospital. The GO Stouffville line serves Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy stations. Homes within a short walk of these lines often appeal to buyers who work at the hubs or commute to Toronto. For future transit, see how the Yonge North subway affects Markham.
What It Means for Buyers and Investors
- Relocating professionals: map your commute from two or three neighbourhoods before choosing.
- Investors: look for rental demand from students, hospital staff and tech workers, but watch new supply nearby.
- Homeowners: check development applications near commercial sites, since new projects can change traffic, amenities and views.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information about what surrounds a home, not just the home itself.
Next Steps
- Buying a home in Markham: find a home close to work.
- Real estate investing in Markham: rental demand near the hubs.
- Condos in Markham: options near transit and jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tech companies are in Markham?
The City of Markham says it has over 1,000 tech and life science firms employing about 37,000 people.
Who are the largest employers in Markham?
In the City’s most recent published ranking (2018), the top three were IBM Canada, TD and the City of Markham, followed by Markham Stouffville Hospital.
Where is York University’s Markham Campus?
At 1 University Boulevard in Markham Centre, near Highway 7 and Warden Avenue. It has room for 4,200 students.
Does living near an employment hub increase home values?
It can support demand, especially for condos and rentals near transit, but new supply and traffic also play a role.
What is happening at CF Markville?
A long-term redevelopment plan proposes about 4,340 units in 14 buildings at Highway 7 and McCowan Road.
What transit connects Markham’s employment areas?
The Viva Purple line on the Highway 7 rapidway and the GO Stouffville line, with stations at Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy.
Work With Michael John Lau in Markham
Michael John Lau helps relocating professionals and investors understand how Markham’s job centres, transit and new development affect the homes nearby. Every recommendation is based on recent sales and the reasoning behind them.
📞 Contact Michael John Lau, REALTOR®
🌐 www.callmikelau.com
Moving to Markham for work?
Michael John Lau can help you compare neighbourhoods by commute, budget and long-term value.
Michael John Lau, REALTOR® · Markham, Ontario · (416) 700-0286
Disclaimer. Michael John Lau is a licensed REALTOR® serving buyers and sellers in Markham, Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. Employment figures are from the City of Markham’s Facts and Stats page (undated) and its 2018 Top 100 Employers list. Campus details are from York Region (March 20, 2026). Markville details are from UrbanToronto (July 2023), and Le Parc details from UrbanToronto (January 2026). Rents are from Rentals.ca (September 2026). Michael John Lau is not a lawyer, accountant, tax advisor or mortgage professional. This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Speak with a qualified professional about your own situation.