York Region Rental Market Report – February 2026
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This report is built for three types of readers. Jump to the section most relevant to you.
Looking to Rent in York Region?
Find out what you should expect to pay, how quickly units move, and what landlords are looking for in a tenant right now.
- Average and median rent by bedroom
- How long units stay on market
- Whether you can negotiate rent
- Documents you need to apply
- Basement apartment legality guide
Leasing Out a Property in York Region?
Understand where to price your unit, how fast the market is absorbing inventory, and what tenants are competing for right now.
- Current average rent by property type
- Days on market benchmarks
- SNLR and inventory levels
- Year-over-year pricing context
- Ontario rent control explained
Evaluating York Region as a Rental Market?
Assess rental demand fundamentals, pricing trends, property type mix, and how York Region municipalities compare across the region.
- 13-month rent trend with peak data
- Supply and demand indicators
- Property type market share breakdown
- Price distribution across rent bands
- GO Transit commuter demand drivers
Key Takeaways – February 2026
Down from $2,821 in February 2025 as supply expanded region-wide
Strong regional leasing volume across all York Region municipalities
Balanced-to-landlord market conditions across York Region
SNLR places York Region at the balanced-to-landlord threshold
York Region Rental Market Key Facts – February 2026
All figures sourced from TRREB MLS® lease records for York Region, Ontario. Last updated: February 2026.
- The average rent in York Region in February 2026 is $2,695.
- The median rent in York Region is $2,500.
- A total of 1,162 rental transactions occurred in February 2026 across York Region.
- The sales-to-new-listings ratio is 60%, indicating balanced-to-landlord market conditions.
- Rental inventory currently sits at 2.32 months of supply.
- The average rental listing takes 33 days to lease.
- One-bedroom units average $1,937 per month in York Region.
- Four-bedroom homes average $3,639 per month in York Region.
- Average rent declined 4.5% year-over-year from $2,821 in February 2025.
- Lease volume increased 11.2% year-over-year, rising from 1,043 to 1,162 transactions.
York Region Rental Market Data – February 2026
| Metric | February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,695 |
| Median Rent | $2,500 |
| Lease Volume | 1,162 transactions |
| New Listings | 1,925 |
| Active Listings | 2,825 |
| Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio (SNLR) | 60% |
| Months of Inventory | 2.32 |
| Average Days on Market | 33 days |
| Median Days on Market | 25 days |
< 40% Balanced
40–60% Landlord's Market
> 60%
Data sourced from MLS® system lease records. All figures reflect York Region, Ontario activity in the February 2026 reporting period.
Average Rent – 13 Month Trend
Average rent peaked at $2,894 in June 2025 and has since softened to $2,695 in February 2026, a decline of 6.9% from the peak. Lease volume increased year-over-year to 1,162 transactions, suggesting price moderation is supply-driven while underlying demand remains healthy.
February 2025 vs. February 2026
| Metric | Feb 2025 | Feb 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,821 | $2,695 | ▼ $126 (−4.5%) |
| Median Rent | $2,650 | $2,500 | ▼ $150 (−5.7%) |
| Lease Volume | 1,043 | 1,162 | ▲ 119 (+11.4%) |
| Active Listings | 2,523 | 2,825 | ▲ 302 (+12.0%) |
Lease volume grew 11.4% year-over-year to 1,162 transactions across York Region. Average rent softened modestly by 4.5% while active listings increased by 12.0%, creating marginally more competitive conditions for tenants compared to 2025. The SNLR eased from approximately 55% to 60%, indicating a slight improvement in absorption.
Rent by Municipality – February 2026 Summary
| Municipality | Avg Rent | Median Rent | Leases | SNLR | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newmarket | $2,349 | $2,100 | 105 | 85% | 40 |
| Aurora | $2,885 | $2,800 | 33 | 52% | 40 |
| East Gwillimbury | $2,720 | $3,000 | 18 | 60% | 44 |
| Georgina | $2,700 | $2,900 | 23 | 110% | 40 |
| King | $3,500 | $3,400 | 11 | 52% | 39 |
| Markham | $2,740 | $2,575 | 331 | 57% | 32 |
| Richmond Hill | $2,896 | $2,795 | 204 | 52% | 35 |
| Vaughan | $2,596 | $2,400 | 422 | 65% | 31 |
| Whitchurch-Stouffville | $3,097 | $2,800 | 15 | 38% | 27 |
| York Region Total | $2,695 | $2,500 | 1,162 | 60% | 33 |
Volume is concentrated at the south end of the region: Vaughan (422), Markham (331), and Richmond Hill (204) account for 82% of all York Region lease transactions. These condo-heavy markets move faster and at higher absolute volumes than the more detached-oriented northern municipalities. For investors, southern York Region offers greater liquidity; for value renters, the north offers better affordability.
Rent Prices by Bedroom – York Region Ontario
| Bedrooms | Average Rent | Median Rent | Leases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1,937 | $2,000 | 198 |
| 2 Bedroom | $2,333 | $2,350 | 504 |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,069 | $3,050 | 217 |
| 4 Bedroom | $3,639 | $3,500 | 179 |
Two-bedroom units account for the largest share of lease transactions in York Region (504 of 1,162), reflecting strong demand from couples, young families, and co-tenants. Three and four-bedroom rentals represent family-sized demand driven by Toronto commuters and regional relocations, with 396 combined transactions in February 2026.
Rental Price Distribution – Where the Market Clears
| Rent Range | Leases | Share of Market |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 – $1,499 | 8 | 0.7% |
| $1,500 – $1,999 | 185 | 15.9% |
| $2,000 – $2,499 | 366 | 31.5% |
| $2,500 – $2,999 | 220 | 18.9% |
| $3,000 – $3,499 | 184 | 15.8% |
| $3,500 – $3,999 | 110 | 9.5% |
| $4,000 – $4,499 | 34 | 2.9% |
| $4,500+ | 55 | 4.7% |
The largest concentration of leases falls in the $2,000–$2,499 band (31.5%), reflecting the dominance of two-bedroom condo apartments across York Region. The $1,500–$1,999 band (15.9%) is driven by one-bedroom units primarily in Newmarket and Aurora, while the $3,000+ tier represents the significant volume of detached and townhouse rentals across Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan.
Rental Inventory by Property Type
| Property Type | Market Share |
|---|---|
| Condo Apartment | 51% |
| Detached | 23% |
| Attached Row Townhouse | 12% |
| Condo Townhouse | 6% |
| Semi-Detached | 5% |
| Other | 3% |
Why condo apartments dominate: York Region's rental market is driven by the substantial condo apartment inventory built along the Yonge Street, Highway 7, and urban growth corridors in Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan. Condo apartments make up 51% of all lease transactions — a significant shift from the detached-led markets of communities like Newmarket further north. Investors with condo product are well-positioned in this market.
Inventory, Demand & Market Balance
Supply
Inventory currently sits at 2.32 months, indicating balanced-to-tight rental availability. Balanced rental markets typically carry 3–4 months of supply. York Region's reading reflects reasonable absorption across 2,825 active listings.
Demand
Strong demand continues from Toronto commuters across multiple GO Transit lines, families relocating from higher-priced GTA communities, and York Region's continued population growth along the Highway 400 and 404 corridors.
Market Balance
A 60% SNLR places York Region at the balanced-to-landlord threshold. Pricing power is moderating, with some municipalities like Newmarket at 85% SNLR and others like East Gwillimbury at 60%, creating distinct micro-markets within the region.
12-Month Rent Trend – York Region Ontario
| Month | Avg Rent | Median Rent | Leases |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2025 | $2,821 | $2,650 | 1,043 |
| March 2025 | $2,843 | $2,650 | 1,415 |
| April 2025 | $2,853 | $2,700 | 1,545 |
| May 2025 | $2,871 | $2,690 | 1,593 |
| June 2025 | $2,894 | $2,700 | 1,670 |
| July 2025 | $2,822 | $2,600 | 1,839 |
| August 2025 | $2,852 | $2,650 | 1,863 |
| September 2025 | $2,838 | $2,650 | 1,424 |
| October 2025 | $2,865 | $2,740 | 1,325 |
| November 2025 | $2,828 | $2,650 | 1,221 |
| December 2025 | $2,783 | $2,600 | 1,068 |
| January 2026 | $2,773 | $2,550 | 1,164 |
| February 2026 | $2,695 | $2,500 | 1,162 |
Prior month data will be populated as the reporting series builds. This table will reflect a rolling 12-month dataset updated monthly using MLS® lease records.
Why Rent in York Region, Ontario?
Commuter Access
York Region is served by multiple GO Transit lines — including the Barrie, Stouffville, and Richmond Hill lines — providing direct rail access to Union Station for Toronto commuters.
Schools
York Region District School Board and York Catholic DSB operate across the region, with multiple schools ranked among Ontario's best — a key driver of family rental demand in Markham, Richmond Hill, and Aurora.
Amenities
From Markham's Unionville main street to Vaughan's Vaughan Mills, York Region offers diverse retail, dining, and recreation options across its eight municipalities.
Lifestyle
York Region combines suburban quality of life with access to major employment hubs — including the Markham tech corridor, Vaughan's VMC, and York University — offering options for every lifestyle and household type.
Renting Tips for Tenants in York Region
The York Region rental market moves quickly. Being prepared before you apply significantly increases your chances of securing the unit you want.
- Credit Report: Obtain a current credit report from Equifax or TransUnion. Most landlords require a score of 650 or higher.
- Employment Letter: Secure a formal letter from your employer confirming your position, start date, and annual salary.
- Recent Pay Stubs: Prepare the last two to three pay stubs as proof of current income.
- Rental References: Contact previous landlords in advance and confirm they are willing to provide a reference.
- Bank Statements: Some landlords request 60–90 days of banking history to verify financial stability.
- Work With a Local Agent: A local REALTOR® provides access to listings before they are widely advertised and can help you submit a competitive application quickly.
Pro Tip: In high-demand York Region markets like Newmarket (85% SNLR) and Georgina (110% SNLR), desirable units receive multiple applications within 24–48 hours. Having your full documentation package ready before you begin touring puts you in a position to apply the same day.
Rent by Municipality – York Region February 2026
York Region's rental market varies significantly across its eight municipalities. Here's how each area performed in February 2026, based on TRREB MLS® lease data.
| Municipality | Avg Rent | Median Rent | Leases | SNLR | Avg DOM | Median DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora | $2,885 | $2,800 | 33 | 52% | 40 | 27 |
| East Gwillimbury | $2,720 | $3,000 | 18 | 60% | 44 | 35 |
| Georgina | $2,700 | $2,900 | 23 | 110% | 40 | 30 |
| King | $3,500 | $3,400 | 11 | 52% | 39 | 36 |
| Markham | $2,740 | $2,575 | 331 | 57% | 32 | 23 |
| Newmarket | $2,349 | $2,100 | 105 | 85% | 40 | 27 |
| Richmond Hill | $2,896 | $2,795 | 204 | 52% | 35 | 26 |
| Vaughan | $2,596 | $2,400 | 422 | 65% | 31 | 25 |
| Whitchurch-Stouffville | $3,097 | $2,800 | 15 | 38% | 27 | 21 |
Vaughan leads York Region in lease volume at 422 transactions — 36% of all regional activity. The VMC (Vaughan Metropolitan Centre) subway terminus drives condo apartment demand from transit-oriented renters and young professionals. Strong 65% SNLR signals ongoing landlord advantage.
Markham's 331 lease transactions reflect its status as York Region's tech hub. Unionville, Cornell, and Berczy Park draw strong demand from professionals in the Highway 7 tech corridor. The 57% SNLR sits at balanced market conditions, giving tenants marginally more room to negotiate than in Vaughan.
Richmond Hill carries the highest average rent among the three large York Region municipalities at $2,896. However, the 52% SNLR is the weakest of the high-volume markets, suggesting supply is keeping pace with demand. GO Transit access at Richmond Hill Station and Langstaff drives commuter demand.
Newmarket stands out with the highest SNLR in York Region at 85% — a strong landlord-favoured signal — while also offering the lowest average rent at $2,349. This combination makes Newmarket the most in-demand value market in the region. GO Transit access at Newmarket GO is a key demand driver.
Aurora commands a premium over Newmarket ($2,885 vs $2,349) with a relatively low 52% SNLR — indicating a more balanced market where tenants have room to negotiate. Aurora GO provides solid commuter access. Popular with families and professionals relocating from Markham or Richmond Hill seeking more space.
Georgina's 110% SNLR is the highest absorption rate in York Region, indicating demand exceeds available supply. With only 23 transactions it's a thin market, but investors and landlords should take note — this supply-demand imbalance signals strong pricing power on available units in the Lake Simcoe corridor.
Key Municipality Takeaway: Vaughan (422 leases) and Markham (331 leases) dominate volume — together accounting for 65% of all York Region rental activity. Georgina leads on absorption at 110% SNLR while Whitchurch-Stouffville trails at 38% SNLR, signalling a supply surplus at the top of the price range. Newmarket is the standout value market with the highest SNLR (85%) and lowest average rent ($2,349) in the region.
What the Data Doesn't Tell You About Renting in York Region
Market reports show you regional averages. They don't show you that a well-priced two-bedroom condo in Vaughan's VMC neighbourhood gets four applications in 72 hours, while an overpriced three-bedroom in Richmond Hill sits for 50 days.
After working across York Region, here are the on-the-ground patterns I see that don't show up in the headline numbers.
"The York Region rental market in 2026 is being driven by Vaughan and Markham's condo supply, while under-the-radar municipalities like Newmarket and Georgina are absorbing at rates well above 85%. Investors and tenants who understand the micro-market differences — not just the regional average — are the ones making the right moves."
— Matthew Gizzie, REALTOR® · York Region & GTAThe GO Transit Premium
Units within walking distance of a GO Station across York Region command a consistent premium of $150–$300/month. This is most pronounced near Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (subway), Richmond Hill GO, Markham GO, and Newmarket GO. Landlords with transit-adjacent product should price to this premium — buyers of comparable units without GO access will notice the difference on days on market.
Seasonality Matters More Than People Think
February is historically one of the slowest leasing months in York Region — yet 1,162 transactions still occurred. Spring (April–June) is peak season, when families time moves around the school year and corporate relocations accelerate. Landlords listing in March–April see the fastest absorption. Tenants who search in January–February have the most negotiating leverage before seasonal competition heats up.
Municipality Price Gaps Are Real
York Region isn't one rental market — it's eight distinct ones. Vaughan and Markham account for 65% of volume and are condo-driven. Newmarket and Aurora skew toward detached and semi-detached product at lower average prices. King and Whitchurch-Stouffville have thin supply with high average rents but low SNLR. Knowing the municipality tier before you search or list makes a material difference to your outcome.
Application Quality Wins Over Price
Across York Region, well-priced units in desirable municipalities receive 2–5 applications per listing. The strongest application wins — not necessarily the highest offer. A complete package (credit report, employment letter, pay stubs, references) submitted same-day consistently beats incomplete applications that offer slightly more rent. This is especially true in Vaughan and Markham's high-competition condo market.
New Supply Is Moderating the Condo Market
New condo completions across Vaughan, Markham, and Richmond Hill have added meaningful supply to the one-bedroom and two-bedroom segment, which is the primary driver of the modest 4.5% year-over-year rent decline. Investors who purchased pre-construction condos in 2021–2022 are now leasing at rents close to — but sometimes below — their original projections. Detached and townhouse rentals have held value comparatively better across the region.
Rent Control: Know Before You Sign
Ontario's rent increase guideline only protects tenants in units first occupied before November 15, 2018. Most new York Region condo buildings are exempt. This means a landlord can reset rent to market rate between tenancies. For long-term renters, securing a unit in an older building with rent control protection can be worth paying a slight premium upfront — it's insurance against future increases.
Have a specific question about a York Region municipality or rental strategy? I publish this report monthly and am happy to answer directly.
Ask Matthew →Work With a Local York Region Rental Expert
Whether you are looking to rent in York Region or lease out a property, working with a local real estate professional ensures you have access to the latest listings and accurate market data across all municipalities.
York Region Rental Market – FAQ
Questions real tenants, landlords, and investors are searching for right now — answered with February 2026 MLS® data.
The data presented in this report is sourced from the MLS® System and reflects lease transactions recorded in February 2026 across York Region, Ontario. All metrics are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. MLS® is a registered trademark of the Canadian Real Estate Association. Matthew Gizzie is a registered REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Centres, Brokerage.
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