Downsizing in Unionville, Markham

Overview of downsizing in Unionville

Unionville is in the City of Markham, which is one of nine municipalities in York Region. It is a community within Markham, not a separate municipality. It is known for a historic main street, and heritage sources describe Main Street Unionville as a heritage conservation district that runs residential at its southern end and commercial, mostly restaurants, at its northern end.

Heritage rules can affect what an owner may change on a property, so ask the City whether an address falls in the district before you plan renovations. Our page on downsizing in Markham covers the city as a whole and the York and Durham overview covers the region.

Condos and townhouses in Unionville for downsizers

Smaller homes in and around Unionville include condominium apartments, stacked and freehold townhouses and some bungalows. We have not named specific buildings because we have not confirmed any of them against a City page. Condominium owners pay monthly fees to a condominium corporation, and the status certificate shows the budget, reserve fund and any special assessments. Our guide to buying a condo in Ontario explains what to request and condo, townhouse or house compares the three.

Fees, building age and unit sizes vary too widely to generalize, so ask for them in writing for any building you consider. If you are weighing a land lease or life lease, read life lease and land lease homes first.

Getting around Unionville by GO and YRT

Unionville GO Station is on GO Transit's Stouffville line. Metrolinx has added a second track, a turnaround track and an island platform at the station to support future all-day, two-way service, so check the GO trip planner for the schedule that runs today. York Region Transit runs local buses and Viva rapid transit routes in Markham; use the trip planner at yrt.ca for current routes. GO fares are 55% lower for riders 65 and over, and Ontario's Seniors' Public Transit Tax Credit may return part of eligible transit costs. See getting around Ontario after 65.

Hospitals near Unionville

Markham Stouffville Hospital, at 381 Church Street, is operated by Oak Valley Health, which lists emergency care, cancer treatment and community health programs among its services. Mackenzie Health runs Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital at 10 Trench Street and Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital at 3200 Major Mackenzie Drive West in the neighbouring cities. We have not stated distances. Ontario Health atHome (1-833-515-1234) coordinates home and community care. See aging in place or moving if care needs are part of the decision.

Toogood Pond and everyday life in Unionville

Toogood Pond Park is owned and operated by the City of Markham and was formed by a dam on Bruce Creek, a tributary of the Rouge River. The Markham Pan Am Centre at 16 Main Street Unionville is a community and aquatics centre that opened in November 2014. Check the City's recreation listings for current programs and fees before relying on either. Clearing out a long-held home is part of any downsize; the clearing out and moving day guide covers the order of work.

Flood mapping and insurance in Unionville

Unionville is covered by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Its flood plain map viewer and regulated area search show whether an address lies in a mapped area. Creeks run through this part of Markham, so the check is worth doing for any property near one. A home can be outside a flood plain and still have sewer backup risk. Read our flood and storm insurance guide before you make an offer.

Property tax relief and land transfer tax in Unionville

The City of Markham lists a Low-Income Seniors Property Tax Assistance Program and a Seniors and Low-Income Tax Deferral Program on its tax relief page. As the City describes them, the first forgives late payment charges on arrears for owners 65 and over who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and the second lets qualifying owners defer yearly tax increases. Rules change, so confirm with the City's Tax Department. Provincial programs are on the costs and money page.

A seller pays no land transfer tax in Ontario. The buyer does, and Markham has no municipal land transfer tax. See the land transfer tax guide and the net proceeds calculator.

Questions to ask before you buy in Unionville

• Is the property inside the heritage conservation district, and what does that limit?
• Is it within a TRCA regulated area, and what does the insurer say about sewer backup?
• If it is a condominium, what do the status certificate and reserve fund study say?
• How far is the walk to Unionville GO Station or a bus stop, and is it step-free?
• Is there an elevator, and a main-floor bedroom and bathroom?
• Which family health team will serve you, and are they accepting patients?
• Would you rather sell first or buy first? See buy first or sell first.

When you are ready to talk to someone, contact us. Messages go to agents on the operating team at eXp Realty. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice, and a lawyer licensed in Ontario should review any agreement.