Blog > Where to Find Multi-Generational Homes in Markham: Neighbourhoods, Rules and Tax Credits
Where to Find Multi-Generational Homes in Markham: Neighbourhoods, Rules and Tax Credits
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Multi-generational homes in Markham are easiest to find in neighbourhoods with larger detached homes and lots. Angus Glen, Cachet and Victoria Square offer estate-size homes. Berczy Village, Wismer, Greensborough and Cathedraltown have newer large two-storey homes. Cornell has coach houses on rear laneways, and Unionville, Bullock and Markville have older bungalows and backsplits that suit main-floor living or a lower-level suite. Ontario allows up to three units on most lots zoned for houses, and Markham has been working to allow four.
More Markham families are choosing to live together. Grandparents help with school pickups. Adult children save for their own place. Parents age with family close by instead of across the city.
The right home makes this work. The wrong one creates friction every single day. This guide covers what to look for, where to find it in Markham, the rules for adding a suite, and the federal tax credit that can help pay for it.
Michael John Lau has helped more than 430 households buy and sell, many of them families combining two generations under one roof. His approach, recognized with eXp ICON Agent awards in 2024 and 2025, starts with how each person will live in the home, then finds the floor plan that fits.
| Feature | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Main-floor bedroom + full bath | Parents avoid stairs as they age | Shower access, door widths, step-free entry |
| Separate entrance | Privacy for both households | Side-yard width, lighting, path in winter |
| Second kitchen | Independent daily routines | Permits; ventilation; fire separation |
| Walkout or bright lower level | Feels like a home, not a basement | Ceiling height, window sizes, egress |
| Extra parking | Two households often mean three or more cars | Driveway width, by-law limits |
| Legal second unit | Safety, insurance and resale | Building permit and Fire Department registration |
Key takeaways
- Look for a main-floor bedroom with a full bath, a separate entrance, and a lower level with good ceiling height and windows.
- Ontario's Planning Act allows up to two additional residential units (three units in total) on most lots zoned for houses.
- Markham council directed staff in December 2023 to prepare rules allowing up to four units. Confirm the current status with the City.
- Second suites in Markham must be registered with the Fire Department before anyone moves in.
- The federal Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit is refundable and based on up to $50,000 of eligible costs.
Where are the largest homes in Markham?
Angus Glen, Cachet and Victoria Square hold many of Markham's estate-size homes. Large footprints, three-car garages and bigger lots make it easier to give each generation its own floor. These areas suit families who want space and privacy without building anything new.
See recent pricing on the Cachet home values page and the Victoria Square home values page.
Which newer Markham neighbourhoods suit multi-generational living?
Berczy Village, Wismer, Greensborough and Cathedraltown were built mostly in the last 25 years. Many homes have four or five bedrooms, larger kitchens and full basements with good ceiling height. Some models include a main-floor den that converts to a bedroom, or a lower level ready for a suite.
Compare streets in Berczy Village, Wismer and Cathedraltown.
Does Cornell have coach houses?
Yes. Cornell was designed with rear laneways, and many lots include a coach house above the garage. A coach house can give an adult child or a grandparent their own front door while staying a few steps from the main home. Cornell is also next to Markham Stouffville Hospital and close to Rouge National Urban Park, which many older family members value.
Learn more about buying a home in Cornell.
Where can you find bungalows in Markham?
Older neighbourhoods such as Unionville, Bullock, Markville and Raymerville have more bungalows and backsplits on wider lots. Bungalows are ideal when a parent needs single-floor living, and the full basement can become a suite for another family member.
A good example is 16 Milne Lane in Bullock, a 3+2 bedroom, 5-bathroom bungalow. After sitting for over a year with another agent, it was relaunched with staging and a new marketing plan, then sold firm for $100,000 over asking in two weeks.
What does a multi-generational sale look like in real life?
At 56 Ingleborough Court, the home had a walkout lower level with a second kitchen and an existing basement tenant. Instead of a full renovation, the sellers chose targeted updates for return on investment. The home drew 75+ viewings and 6 offers, and sold for $200,801 over asking. Buyers saw what that lower level could become for their own family.
At 54 Holbrook Court, a family was moving closer to their daughter, with their next home already secured. Timing mattered more than anything. The 4+1 bedroom home sold in 13 days, so the move to be near family stayed on schedule.
Can you add a basement apartment or garden suite in Markham?
In most cases, yes. Ontario's Planning Act allows up to two additional residential units, for three units in total, where single-detached, semi-detached and townhouses are permitted. In December 2023, Markham council directed staff to prepare changes allowing up to three additional units, for four in total. Check the City of Markham's Additional Residential Units page for the current status.
Markham's comprehensive zoning by-law, enacted in January 2024 (By-law 2024-19), includes rules for garden homes in the backyard. Every second suite still needs a building permit, proper fire separation, and registration with the Markham Fire Department before anyone moves in.
When you buy a home with an existing suite, ask for the permit history and the Fire Department registration. A legal suite protects your family, your insurance and your resale value.
What is the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit?
It is a refundable federal tax credit for creating a secondary unit so a family member can live with you. The qualifying person must be 65 or older, or an adult eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. The credit is calculated on up to $50,000 of eligible renovation costs. At the original 15% rate, that is up to $7,500. Because the credit is tied to the lowest federal tax rate, confirm the current rate with CRA or your tax professional.
It is claimed on Schedule 12 of your tax return for the year the renovation is finished. The separate Home Accessibility Tax Credit covers up to $20,000 of accessibility upgrades for seniors or people eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. The same expense cannot be claimed under both.
This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Speak with a tax professional about your situation.
Selling a home that suits multiple generations?
Market the way the home lives, not just the bedroom count. Show the separate entrance, the main-floor bedroom and the lower-level kitchen in photos and in the floor plan. Have permits and Fire Department registration ready to share. Buyers searching for this kind of home are motivated, and clear paperwork builds trust fast.
Curious what your home could sell for? Start with a free home evaluation in Markham or see how Michael's seller services work.
Frequently asked questions
What is a multi-generational home?
A multi-generational home is designed for two or more adult generations to live together, often with a main-floor bedroom, a separate entrance, a second kitchen or a self-contained suite.
Which Markham neighbourhoods are best for multi-generational families?
Angus Glen, Cachet and Victoria Square offer large estate homes. Berczy Village, Wismer, Greensborough and Cathedraltown offer newer large homes. Cornell offers coach houses, and Unionville, Bullock and Markville offer bungalows on wider lots.
Can I build a basement apartment in Markham?
In most cases, yes. Ontario allows up to two additional residential units on most lots zoned for houses. You still need a building permit, proper fire separation and registration with the Markham Fire Department.
Are garden suites allowed in Markham?
Markham's comprehensive zoning by-law, By-law 2024-19, includes provisions for garden homes. Setbacks and size limits apply, so confirm the details for your lot with the City before you design.
How much is the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit?
It is a refundable federal credit calculated on up to $50,000 of eligible costs. At the original 15% rate it is worth up to $7,500. Confirm the current rate with CRA, since it follows the lowest federal tax rate.
Does a legal second suite add value to a Markham home?
A legal, registered suite usually widens the pool of buyers, including multi-generational families and investors. The value it adds depends on the quality of the suite, the location and the overall home.
Talk to a Markham REALTOR® who knows these streets
Planning a home for two or three generations? Michael John Lau can help you find the right floor plan, check the suite paperwork and plan the move around your family's timing.
Call (416) 700-0286Free home evaluationKeep reading
Sources
- City of Markham: Additional Residential Units
- Income Tax Act: Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit
- TRREB: Advocacy update on four units per lot in Markham
- City of Markham Committee of Adjustment: Garden home staff report (By-law 2024-19)
Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of October 7, 2026 and may change. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.