Aging in Place in Markham: Accessibility Updates, Main Floor Living and When to Move
Aging in Place in Markham: Accessibility Updates, Main Floor Living and When to Move
Many Markham homeowners want to stay in the home they love. With the right updates, that is often possible. Here is how to plan, and how to know when a move makes more sense.
Neeraj Moolchandani is a top real estate agent in Markham, Ontario.
The Short Answer
Aging in place in Markham usually means making a home safer and easier to live in, such as adding grab bars, better lighting, a walk in shower, and main floor living space. The federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit can apply to up to $20,000 of eligible renovation costs a year for people 65 or older or eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. Markham's windrow assistance program helps eligible seniors with driveway snow. If stairs, upkeep, or isolation become hard to manage, moving to a bungalow, townhouse, or condo may be the better choice.
Neeraj and the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the teams Markham families trust with life's bigger moves, often help clients and their adult children think through this choice. Our empty nester guide covers moving to a smaller home. This guide starts with staying.
Updates That Make a Difference
| Area | Simple Updates | Bigger Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | Grab bars, raised toilet seat, non slip mats | Walk in shower, wider doorway |
| Stairs | Handrails on both sides, brighter lighting | Stair lift |
| Entrance | Better lighting, a bench, lever handles | Ramp or no step entry |
| Main floor | Move the bedroom to a main floor den | Add a main floor bathroom or bedroom |
| Kitchen | Pull out shelves, easy reach storage | Lower counters or a redesign |
Help With the Cost
- Home Accessibility Tax Credit: up to $20,000 of eligible expenses a year, for people 65 or older or eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. Family members may be able to claim for a qualifying relative.
- Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit: may help when creating a secondary unit for a senior. See our multigenerational guide.
- Keep receipts, permits, and descriptions of the work. Confirm eligibility with the CRA or your accountant.
Thinking about staying or moving? Neeraj can help you weigh both, with no pressure. Call or text Neeraj at (647) 370 8885.
Local Supports
- Snow: Markham's windrow assistance program clears the end of the driveway for eligible residents 60 or older or with a disability.
- Community: Markham's community centres offer programs for older adults.
- Emergency planning: keep our emergency checklist handy.
Signs It May Be Time to Move
- Stairs are hard every day, and updates cannot fix the layout.
- Upkeep of the house, yard, and snow is too much, even with help.
- Many rooms go unused.
- Getting to shops, doctors, or family is hard without driving.
- Renovations would cost more than moving.
Moving does not have to mean less space. Bungalows, townhouses, and condos near amenities can make daily life easier. See our urban and green space guide.
Want to know what your home is worth if you do move? Start with a valuation. Call or text Neeraj at (647) 370 8885.
Compare the Numbers
Price the updates you would need, then compare them with your home's value and the cost of a move. A free home valuation is a good first step, whichever way you lean.
Your next chapter should feel easier. Reach out anytime. Call or text Neeraj at (647) 370 8885.
Aging in Place Questions, Answered
What is the Home Accessibility Tax Credit?
It is a federal non refundable tax credit for eligible renovations that make a home safer or more accessible, on up to $20,000 of expenses a year, for people 65 or older or eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.
What updates help seniors stay at home?
Common updates include grab bars, handrails, better lighting, a walk in shower, a stair lift, a no step entry, and moving a bedroom to the main floor.
Does Markham help seniors with snow clearing?
Markham's windrow assistance program clears the end of the driveway after heavy snowfalls for eligible residents who are 60 or older or have a disability.
How do I know when it is time to move?
Signs include daily trouble with stairs, upkeep that is too much even with help, many unused rooms, hard access to services, and renovation costs that exceed moving costs.
Should I renovate or sell and move?
Compare the cost of the updates you need with your home's value and the cost of moving. A home valuation and a renovation quote make the choice clearer.
Stay or Move, Choose With Clarity
Neeraj will help you compare your options honestly, at your pace, with your family included.
Call or text (647) 370 8885 · info@kaizenrealestate.ca
Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage · 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4
Tax credit: H&R Block summary of the Home Accessibility Tax Credit, 2026. Snow program: City of Markham. Confirm eligibility with the CRA and the City. This article is general information, not legal, tax, mortgage, or financial advice. Market commentary describes current conditions and is not a promise of future prices. Information is believed accurate but should be independently verified. Not intended to solicit properties currently under contract.
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