Purchasing a new construction home in Markham, Ontario is an exciting opportunity — but it comes with a critical risk that most buyers do not anticipate: the builder's sales representative works for the builder, not for you. Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani, top REALTORS® in Markham, Ontario, represent buyers purchasing new construction homes and pre-construction condominiums across Markham, ensuring every buyer's financial interests are protected from the first sales office visit to final closing.
The Most Important Thing New Construction Buyers Must Understand
The builder's sales representative works for the builder — not for you. When a buyer walks into a builder's sales office in Markham, Ontario without their own REALTOR®, they are negotiating alone against a team of professionals whose exclusive obligation is to maximize the builder's profit. Representation from Kaizen Real Estate Team costs new construction buyers in Markham, Ontario nothing — builder compensation structures in Ontario cover the buyer's agent commission in new construction transactions.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani represent buyers — exclusively — when purchasing new construction homes and pre-construction condos in Markham, Ontario. There is no financial reason to enter a Markham builder's sales office without representation. There are significant financial reasons not to.
New Construction vs. Resale: Key Differences for Markham Buyers
Buyers purchasing new construction homes in Markham, Ontario face a fundamentally different transaction structure than buyers purchasing resale homes. Understanding these differences is essential before signing any new construction Agreement of Purchase and Sale in Ontario.
Builder Contracts Are Not Standard OREA Agreements
New construction purchase agreements in Ontario are drafted by the builder's legal team — not the Ontario Real Estate Association. These agreements are lengthy, complex, and heavily weighted in the builder's favour. They typically include:
- Delayed closing clauses — builders in Markham can legally extend the closing date multiple times under Tarion warranty rules
- Closing cost adjustments — builders pass development charges, education levies, and HST adjustments to the buyer at closing, often totalling $30,000–$80,000+ beyond the original purchase price
- Deposit structures — new construction deposits in Ontario are typically 15–25% of the purchase price, paid in installments, with limited recourse if circumstances change
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani review every new construction Agreement of Purchase and Sale with Markham buyers before signing — identifying clauses that expose buyers to unexpected costs and negotiating terms wherever the builder allows.
HST on New Construction Homes in Markham, Ontario
New construction homes and pre-construction condominiums in Markham are subject to HST. How HST is structured depends on whether the buyer intends to occupy the property as a primary residence or as a rental investment.
- Owner-occupied new construction: HST is typically embedded in the purchase price; buyers who occupy the home as their primary residence qualify for the HST New Housing Rebate
- Investor-purchased new construction: Buyers who do not intend to occupy the Markham home as their primary residence must remit HST separately at closing — a cost frequently miscalculated without knowledgeable representation
New Construction Neighbourhoods in Markham, Ontario
Markham, Ontario is one of the most active new construction markets in the Greater Toronto Area. Builders including Remington Group, Mattamy Homes, Monarch, and Greenpark continue to develop new construction communities across Markham's expanding residential areas.
The most concentrated area of pre-construction condominium development in Markham. Transit connectivity, walkable amenities, and a growing urban core attract investors and first-time buyers alike.
Expanding with new freehold townhomes and detached homes. Modern layouts, energy-efficient construction, and proximity to Markham Stouffville Hospital make Cornell Markham's top family new-build destination.
Contemporary new construction townhomes and detached homes with modern finishes. Convenient access to Highways 404 and 407 attracts buyers seeking move-in-ready new builds near major GTA corridors.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani provide floor plan analysis, pre-construction pricing, and builder reputation assessments before any deposit is committed on a Markham pre-construction condo.
The Tarion Warranty: What New Construction Buyers in Markham Must Know
Every new construction home purchased from a registered builder in Ontario is covered by the Tarion New Home Warranty — Ontario's mandatory new home warranty program. Understanding Tarion coverage is essential for any buyer purchasing new construction in Markham.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani walk every new construction buyer in Markham through the Tarion PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) process — ensuring all deficiencies are documented before the buyer takes possession of their new Markham home.
Closing Costs on New Construction Homes in Markham
The most financially damaging surprise for new construction buyers in Markham is the gap between the signed purchase price and the actual amount due at closing. Builders in Ontario pass a significant number of costs to the buyer — costs buried in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale and frequently underestimated.
Why Markham New Construction Buyers Choose Kaizen Real Estate Team
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani bring direct experience representing buyers in new construction transactions across Markham, Ontario. Kaizen Real Estate Team provides new construction buyers with: