Blog > How Long Does It Take to Sell a Home in Markham?
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 sellers plan the full timeline, from the first walkthrough to the day the keys change hands.
How long does it take to sell a home in Markham
In September 2026, Markham homes that sold spent an average of 34 days on their current listing, according to TRREB, or 50 days when earlier listings of the same home are counted. Add one to three weeks to prepare before listing, about five business days if the buyer has conditions, and a closing period that is commonly 30 to 90 days. All in, many Markham sellers should plan on about three to five months from the decision to sell to moving day. Homes take longer in winter: last year average days on market rose from 34 in November to 40 in January and February.
The Full Timeline, Step by Step
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Preparing the home: repairs, cleaning, staging, photos | 1 to 3 weeks |
| On the market until a firm offer | About 34 days on average in September 2026, longer for many homes |
| Buyer conditions: financing, inspection | Often about 5 business days |
| Closing period | Commonly 30 to 90 days, set in the agreement |
The days on market figure is an average. Some homes sell in the first week, and others take several months or are relisted before they sell.
What the Numbers Say Right Now
In September 2026, Markham had 1,122 active listings and 245 sales, according to TRREB. Its trend measure put the market at about 4.1 months of inventory, which means buyers have choice and take their time comparing homes. Homes that sold went for 98% of list price on average.
The gap between 34 listing days and 50 property days on market matters. Property days count the full time a home has been for sale, including earlier listings. Many homes were relisted at least once before they sold.
How the Season Changes the Pace
| Markham | Average days on market | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | 34 | 219 |
| December 2025 | 36 | 171 |
| January 2026 | 40 | 163 |
| February 2026 | 40 | 182 |
Listing in late fall or winter usually means fewer buyers and a slower pace, but also fewer competing homes. For the timing decision, see sell this fall or wait until spring 2027.
Planning a sale in Markham? Call Michael John Lau, REALTOR®, at (416) 700-0286 for a realistic timeline for your home.
What Helps a Home Sell Faster
- Pricing from recent sales: the biggest single factor. Homes priced above what recent sales support tend to sit.
- A strong first two weeks: professional photos, a floor plan and easy showing access when the listing is newest.
- Condition: small repairs and a clean, bright home reduce buyer hesitation.
- Flexible closing dates: a seller who can match a buyer’s timing widens the pool.
- Pre-listing inspection: can reduce surprises during the buyer’s inspection condition.
What Slows a Sale Down
- A price set from last spring’s market or from what the seller needs for the next home
- Limited showing times
- Visible deferred maintenance, such as an old roof or water stains
- A busy road, hydro corridor or other location factor that is not reflected in the price
- Many similar homes listed nearby
If showings are slow after two or three weeks, see how to adjust your price if your home is not selling.
Planning Your Own Timeline
- Work backward from the date you need to move.
- Allow two to three weeks before listing to prepare the home.
- Plan for at least five to eight weeks on the market, more in winter.
- Choose a closing period that fits your next home, or arrange bridge financing.
If you are buying at the same time, see how bridge financing works. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you set your timeline.
Next Steps
- Free home evaluation: start with a price based on recent sales.
- Selling your Markham home: a plan built around your timeline.
- Seller services: preparation, marketing and negotiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to sell a house in Markham?
In September 2026, Markham homes that sold averaged 34 days on their current listing and 50 days including earlier listings, according to TRREB.
How long does closing take after an offer is accepted?
Closing periods are set in the agreement and commonly run 30 to 90 days.
Do homes take longer to sell in winter?
Usually. Markham's average days on market rose from 34 in November 2025 to 40 in January and February 2026.
What is the difference between listing and property days on market?
Listing days count only the current listing. Property days on market count the full time the home has been for sale, including earlier listings.
How can I sell my Markham home faster?
Price from recent comparable sales, launch with strong photos and easy showings, and fix small issues before listing.
How much time should I allow before listing?
Most sellers need one to three weeks for repairs, cleaning, staging and photos.
Work With Michael John Lau in Markham
Michael John Lau helps Markham sellers build a timeline that fits their next move, starting with a price based on recent sales and a strong launch. Every recommendation comes with the reasoning behind it.
📞 Contact Michael John Lau, REALTOR®
🌐 www.callmikelau.com
Want a realistic selling timeline?
Michael John Lau can review recent sales and current competition for your home and map out each step.
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. September 2026 figures are from TRREB Market Watch (October 6, 2026). Monthly days on market for November 2025 to February 2026 are from TRREB Market Watch as compiled by BCG Team. Condition and closing periods vary by agreement. 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.