Blog > Should Markham Sellers List This Fall or Wait for Spring 2027?
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 decide when to list by looking at their own timeline first and the calendar second.
Should Markham homeowners sell this fall or wait until spring 2027
It depends more on your plans than on the season. TRREB’s Markham data shows fewer sales in late fall and winter, but also far fewer new listings. In December 2025 there were 171 sales against 248 new listings, while April 2026 had 250 sales against 773 new listings. Winter sellers face fewer buyers but much less competition. Spring brings more buyers and more choice for them. Average prices did not rise between December 2025 and April 2026. If you need to move, are well prepared and priced from recent sales, listing now can work. Waiting makes most sense if your home needs work you can finish over the winter.
What the Monthly Data Shows
| Markham, all home types (TRREB) | Sales | New listings | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | 281 | 680 | $1,230,833 |
| November 2025 | 219 | 514 | $1,149,893 |
| December 2025 | 171 | 248 | $1,187,221 |
| April 2026 | 250 | 773 | $1,140,668 |
| September 2026 | 245 | 729 | $1,125,353 |
Two things stand out. New listings drop much faster than sales in December, so the homes that are listed face less competition. And in spring 2026, more sellers came to market but prices did not move higher. Averages also shift with the mix of homes sold, so treat them as a guide, not a forecast.
The Case for Listing This Fall
- Less competition. Buyers shopping in November and December see fewer choices.
- Motivated buyers. Relocations, job changes and family plans do not stop for the holidays.
- Certainty sooner. If you are buying next, a firm sale lets you shop with a known budget.
- Lower carrying costs. Selling now can avoid another season of mortgage, tax and upkeep on a home you plan to leave.
The Case for Waiting Until Spring
- More buyers. Activity usually picks up from March onward.
- Better presentation. Gardens, light and curb appeal photograph better.
- Time to prepare. Winter is a good time to finish repairs, painting and decluttering.
- School-year timing. Families often want to buy in spring and move in summer.
The trade-off: spring also brings many more competing listings, as April 2026 showed.
Deciding between now and spring? Call Michael John Lau, REALTOR®, at (416) 700-0286 for a valuation and a timing plan for your home.
What Interest Rates Could Change
The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on September 2, 2026, with decisions scheduled for October 28 and December 9. A rate change can affect buyer confidence and borrowing power, but no one can time it with certainty. A selling plan built on a rate forecast carries risk in both directions. It is usually better to plan around your own timing and finances.
A Simple Decision Guide
| Your situation | Usually points to |
|---|---|
| You have already bought, or must move by a set date | List now |
| Your home is ready and priced from recent sales | List now |
| Your home needs repairs or updating | Prepare over winter, list in spring |
| You want to buy and sell in the spring market | Plan both moves for spring |
| You are unsure about moving at all | Get a valuation now, decide later |
If You List in Late Fall or Winter
- Take exterior photos before the snow, or on a bright, clear day.
- Keep walkways, steps and the driveway clear and salted for every showing.
- Use warm lighting and keep the home comfortably heated.
- Price from the last 90 days of comparable sales, not last spring’s numbers.
- Plan around the holidays, when showings slow for a week or two.
If your home has already been listed without success, see how to relaunch a listing that did not sell.
The Bottom Line
There is no perfect month to sell. The right time is when your home is ready, your next step is clear and your price reflects what buyers are paying today. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you choose your listing date.
Next Steps
- Free home evaluation: know your value before you decide.
- Selling your Markham home: a plan for any season.
- Seller services: preparation, marketing and negotiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a bad idea to sell a house in Markham in winter?
Not necessarily. There are fewer buyers, but far fewer competing listings. In December 2025, Markham had 171 sales and 248 new listings, according to TRREB.
Do Markham home prices go up in spring?
Not always. TRREB’s Markham average was $1,187,221 in December 2025 and $1,140,668 in April 2026, and averages shift with the mix of homes sold.
How many homes sold in Markham in September 2026?
TRREB reported 245 sales and 729 new listings in Markham in September 2026.
Should I wait for interest rates to drop before selling?
Rate changes are hard to predict. The Bank of Canada’s next decisions are October 28 and December 9, 2026. Most sellers do better planning around their own timing.
What should I do over the winter if I plan to sell in spring?
Finish repairs, paint, declutter and get a valuation, so your home is ready to launch in March or April.
How do I make my home show well in winter?
Keep paths clear, use warm lighting, keep the home heated, and use exterior photos taken on a clear day.
Work With Michael John Lau in Markham
Michael John Lau helps Markham sellers choose a listing date based on their own plans, recent sales and the competition they will face. Every recommendation comes with the reasoning behind it, so the timing decision is clear.
📞 Contact Michael John Lau, REALTOR®
🌐 www.callmikelau.com
Not sure when to sell?
Michael John Lau can show you the recent sales and current competition for your home, and what each timing option could mean.
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. Monthly figures are from TRREB Market Watch reports for October, November and December 2025, April 2026 and September 2026. Bank of Canada dates are as published for 2026. Averages reflect all home types and change with the mix of sales. 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.