If you are selling in Markham and buying in Toronto, the hardest part is often not the move itself. It is the timing, the cash flow, and the fear of making the wrong call first. With the right plan, you can reduce risk, avoid costly surprises, and move forward with more confidence. Let’s break down how to make that transition with less stress.
Why timing matters most
When you are moving from Markham to Toronto, you are managing two major transactions at once. That means your sale price, your purchase budget, your closing dates, and your financing all need to work together.
According to TRREB’s February 2026 market data, the GTA average selling price was $1,008,968, while Markham’s year-to-date average price was $1,085,985 and York Region’s was $1,122,835. TRREB’s 2026 outlook also points to improved buyer choice and affordability, which can be helpful if you are selling in Markham and then shopping in Toronto.
That does not mean every move is simple. It means you have an opportunity to be strategic. A clear plan can help you protect your equity, manage your purchase costs, and avoid feeling rushed.
Start with your numbers
Before you list your Markham home, get clear on what you can comfortably buy in Toronto. That starts with financing, but it also includes the full cost of closing.
RBC notes that mortgage pre-approval helps you understand how much you can realistically afford and may lock in a rate for up to 120 days, though it is not a guaranteed loan. For a move involving both a sale and a purchase, that early clarity can make decision-making much easier.
You also need a realistic net-proceeds estimate from your Markham sale. That number should account for expected sale proceeds and the costs tied to your next purchase, so you know what you can deploy toward your Toronto home.
Budget for Toronto closing costs
One of the biggest surprises for buyers moving into Toronto is the extra land transfer tax. Outside Toronto, you pay Ontario land transfer tax. Inside Toronto, you pay the provincial tax plus the city’s municipal land transfer tax.
According to the Province of Ontario’s land transfer tax guide, a $1,000,000 home would have about $16,475 in provincial land transfer tax outside Toronto. In Toronto, that same purchase price would mean about $32,950 total before legal fees and adjustments because of the added municipal tax. The City of Toronto also outlines its municipal land transfer tax rates and fees.
For higher-priced purchases, this matters even more. Toronto has also approved higher MLTT rates for residential properties above $3 million, effective April 1, 2026, according to the Ontario source.
Beyond land transfer tax, RBC’s closing cost overview highlights other common costs, including:
- Legal fees and disbursements
- Title insurance
- Bridge financing, if needed
- Property tax adjustments
- Utility bill adjustments
If you build this budget early, you are less likely to feel squeezed when it is time to close.
Should you sell first or buy first?
This is the question most Markham homeowners ask, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your comfort with risk, your available cash, and how flexible you can be on timing.
Selling first lowers risk
In many cases, selling first is the lower-stress option. RBC explains that selling first can make it easier to fund your next down payment, avoid carrying two mortgages at once, and submit an offer that is not contingent on selling your current home.
That last point matters. A non-contingent offer can be easier to negotiate and may look stronger to the seller, especially if you are targeting a specific Toronto property and want to compete with confidence.
If your priority is protecting your finances and avoiding overlap, selling first is often the more conservative path.
Buying first offers convenience
Buying first can still make sense in the right situation. RBC notes that buying first may help you avoid living between homes, give you time to prepare your Markham property for sale after moving out, and allow updates or improvements in the new home before move-in.
This approach can be useful if you find a Toronto property that is difficult to replace or if your household wants one clean move instead of juggling temporary arrangements. The tradeoff is that buying first usually requires stronger cash-flow planning and more comfort with short-term overlap.
The best option depends on your priorities
Here is a simple way to think about it:
| Priority | Often the better fit |
|---|---|
| Reduce financial risk | Sell first |
| Avoid carrying two homes | Sell first |
| Make a stronger Toronto offer | Sell first |
| Move only once | Buy first |
| Vacate Markham before listing | Buy first |
| Secure a hard-to-find Toronto home | Buy first |
A thoughtful plan matters more than a perfect formula. What works best for you depends on your timeline, property type, and financial comfort level.
When bridge financing can help
Sometimes your Toronto purchase closes before your Markham sale. In that case, bridge financing may help cover the gap.
TD explains that bridge financing is a short-term option, typically for up to 90 days, that uses equity from your current home to help cover costs such as the down payment. It generally requires both a firm sale agreement and a purchase agreement, along with approval for the new mortgage.
Bridge financing can be useful, but it is not something to use casually. RBC also cautions that it can be expensive, so it works best when you have a clear reason for the overlap and a tight timeline between closings.
Create a low-stress move plan
A smooth Markham-to-Toronto move usually comes down to preparation. The more decisions you make early, the fewer rushed choices you face later.
A practical plan often includes:
- Mortgage pre-approval before listing
- A net-proceeds estimate for your Markham sale
- A detailed Toronto closing-cost budget
- A clear decision on whether you will sell first or buy first
- A backup plan if closing dates do not align
If there is a chance your dates will not match, it is smart to think through temporary housing as well. Even if you never need it, having a fallback option can lower stress and help you negotiate from a calmer position.
How to make your Markham sale support your Toronto purchase
Your Markham sale is not just a transaction. It is the financial foundation for what comes next. That is why pricing, presentation, and timing matter so much.
A well-prepared home can help you attract stronger interest and put yourself in a better position when you are ready to buy. If your goal is to move with less friction, you need a sale strategy that supports your larger plan, not just a listing date on the calendar.
This is also where high-touch guidance can make a real difference. When your selling and buying strategy are aligned from the start, it becomes easier to evaluate timing options, anticipate costs, and move with more control.
Work with a coordinated strategy
Selling in Markham and buying in Toronto can feel complex, but it becomes much more manageable when you approach both sides together. You need to understand your likely sale proceeds, your Toronto buying power, the impact of double land transfer tax, and what timing structure fits your goals.
At every step, the goal is the same: reduce uncertainty and help you make informed choices. If you are planning a move and want a tailored strategy built around your timing, priorities, and property, Nicole Digalakis can help you map out the next step with clarity and care.
FAQs
Should you sell your Markham home before buying in Toronto?
- Selling first often lowers financial risk because it can free up your down payment, reduce the chance of carrying two mortgages, and help you make a stronger non-contingent offer on a Toronto property.
What closing costs should you expect when buying a home in Toronto?
- Common Toronto closing costs can include Ontario land transfer tax, Toronto municipal land transfer tax, legal fees, title insurance, and adjustments for items such as property taxes and utilities.
Why is buying in Toronto more expensive than buying in Markham at the same price?
- Toronto charges a municipal land transfer tax on top of the provincial land transfer tax, which creates a larger upfront cash requirement than a purchase outside Toronto.
What is bridge financing for a Markham-to-Toronto move?
- Bridge financing is short-term financing that can help cover the gap if your Toronto purchase closes before your Markham sale, typically for a period of up to 90 days.
When should you get mortgage pre-approval before moving from Markham to Toronto?
- It is usually best to get pre-approved before listing your Markham home so you understand your budget early and can plan your sale and purchase with more confidence.
What is the biggest stress point when selling in Markham and buying in Toronto?
- For many homeowners, the biggest stress point is coordinating timing, financing, and closing costs across two transactions at once, especially when closing dates do not line up perfectly.
