Blog > Why Conditional Offers Are Making a Comeback in Markham
Why Conditional Offers Are Making a Comeback in Markham
During the wild seller's market of recent years, buyers often felt forced to drop every condition just to compete. That is changing. In today's more balanced Markham market, conditional offers are back — and that is genuinely good news for buyers.
Why are conditional offers making a comeback in Markham? As Markham's market has balanced out from the frenzied seller's market of recent years, buyers have regained leverage — and with it, the ability to include conditions (like financing and home inspection) in their offers. In a market where homes take a reasonable time to sell and buyers have choice, conditional offers are once again common and accepted, giving buyers important protections that were often waived during the frenzy.
During the wild seller's market of recent years, buyers often felt forced to drop every condition just to compete. That's changing. In today's more balanced Markham market, conditional offers are back — and that's genuinely good news for buyers. Michael John Lau, a top real estate agent in Markham, explains the shift.
What Conditional Offers Are
A conditional offer is an offer to purchase that includes one or more conditions that must be satisfied before the sale becomes firm. Common conditions include a financing condition (time to finalize your mortgage), a home inspection condition (time to inspect the property), a condition on the status certificate review (for condos), or the sale of the buyer's existing home. These conditions protect the buyer — if a condition isn't met, the buyer can typically walk away without penalty within the condition period. They're a fundamental buyer protection.
Why They Disappeared — and Are Now Back
The frenzy: conditions got waived
During the intense seller's market of recent years, competition was so fierce that buyers routinely dropped conditions to make their offers more attractive — waiving inspections and financing conditions to win bidding wars. It became almost expected, and it put buyers in a riskier position, committing to purchases without the usual protections.
The balanced market: leverage returns to buyers
As of 2026, Markham's market has balanced out considerably. Homes take a reasonable time to sell (well-priced homes in about a month), buyers have genuine choice, and the frantic bidding-war dynamic has eased in much of the market. With more balanced conditions, buyers have regained leverage — and with it, the ability to include conditions in their offers and have them accepted. Sellers, facing a more measured market, are more willing to accept reasonable conditions.
Why This Is Good News for Buyers
Protection through financing conditions
A financing condition gives you time to finalize your mortgage with certainty before committing — protecting you from the serious risk of being unable to close. In an environment of careful lending, this protection matters.
Protection through inspection conditions
A home inspection condition lets you understand a property's true condition before you're locked in — uncovering potential issues and avoiding costly surprises. For a major purchase, this is invaluable peace of mind that was often sacrificed during the frenzy.
More informed, less risky decisions
Conditions let buyers make purchases with proper due diligence rather than committing blind. The return of conditional offers means buyers can once again buy with the protections and information they should have — a healthier, safer way to make the biggest purchase of their lives.
Reduced pressure
A more balanced market with accepted conditions means less pressure to make rushed, unprotected decisions — buyers have room to be thorough and careful.
How to Use Conditional Offers Well
Include the conditions that protect you
Work with your agent to include appropriate conditions — financing, inspection, status certificate (for condos), and others relevant to your situation — to protect your interests properly.
Keep conditions reasonable
While the market has balanced, presenting a clean, reasonable offer still matters. Appropriate condition periods (not excessively long) and a well-structured offer keep you competitive while protecting you. Your agent can advise on the right balance.
Understand it's still market-dependent
Conditions are more accepted now, but strong, desirable, well-priced homes can still attract competition. The right offer strategy depends on the specific property and situation — sometimes conditions are easily accepted, sometimes a competitive situation requires strategy. Local guidance matters.
Act in good faith and be prepared
Have your financing pre-approval underway and your inspector ready so you can satisfy conditions promptly within the condition period. Being prepared makes conditional offers smooth.
The Bottom Line
The comeback of conditional offers in Markham is a sign of a healthier, more balanced market — and a genuine win for buyers. After years of being pressured to waive protections, buyers can once again include the conditions that let them buy with proper due diligence and peace of mind. If you're buying in today's market, understanding how to use conditions well is an important part of protecting your interests.
Michael John Lau, one of Markham's leading REALTORS®, helps buyers craft offers that protect their interests while remaining effective — including the smart use of conditions in today's balanced market. If you're buying in Markham, let's make sure your offer works for you. Let's talk strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Make Your Offer Work for You
Michael John Lau, REALTOR® CPA, CMA, helps buyers craft offers that protect their interests while staying effective — including smart use of conditions. Buying in Markham? Let's talk strategy.
Michael John Lau is a licensed REALTOR® and CPA/CMA at Kaizen Real Estate (eXp Realty, eXp Luxury), Licence #4784577, serving Markham, Ontario and York Region. This blog is general information only and is not legal, tax, financial, or planning advice. Details, figures, and programs are current as of the date of writing and subject to change — always verify with the relevant authority or a qualified professional. Not intended to solicit clients currently under contract with another brokerage.
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