North Richvale for First-Time Buyers: What Starter Homes, Townhouses and Condos Really Cost

Figures checked September 21, 2026

In August 2026, TRREB’s Richmond Hill benchmark price was $525,800 for an apartment, $626,200 for a townhouse, $1,012,100 for a single family attached home and $1,524,300 for a detached home. North Richvale, which TRREB tracks as its own community, shows the same ladder in its quarters, on small sample sizes. Source: TRREB Market Watch, August 2026, released September 3, 2026.

I am Ali Bolourchi, BSc, MS, PSA, ABR®, Broker of A.B.R.E. Team with REMAX® Your Community Realty Inc. Buyers getting into the market for the first time often ask me the same thing about this part of Richmond Hill: which kind of home is realistic, and what do people actually pay? This post lays out the published numbers, with the sales counts behind them, so you can see what is solid and what is thin.

One thing to hold onto throughout: North Richvale is a small community, and TRREB’s quarterly reports for it rest on very few sales per property type (2 to 26 in the two quarters used here). Each North Richvale figure below is a snapshot of that quarter, not a trend.

Where is North Richvale, and how does TRREB track it?

North Richvale is bounded by Bathurst Street, Yonge Street, Carrville Road and Major Mackenzie Drive in Richmond Hill. Boundaries can vary a little by source, so when you search listings, check the community field on the MLS record for the address you care about.

TRREB, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, publishes a quarterly Community Market Report for York Region’s Richmond Hill, and North Richvale is listed there as its own community, titled “Richmond Hill: North Richvale”. South Richvale, on the other side of Carrville Road, is reported separately, so make sure any figure you read is for the community you mean.

The latest North Richvale report I could confirm is the 2026 Q1 edition. I also use the 2025 Q3 edition for a second snapshot. For current, larger-sample context, I pair them with TRREB’s Richmond Hill figures for August 2026.

What do homes cost in Richmond Hill right now, by type?

TRREB’s MLS Home Price Index benchmark is a like-for-like measure: it prices a typical home of each type rather than averaging whatever happened to sell that month. In its Market Watch for August 2026, released September 3, 2026, TRREB reported these Richmond Hill benchmarks:

• Apartment: $525,800, down 5.36 per cent year over year

• Townhouse: $626,200, down 5.56 per cent year over year

• Single family attached: $1,012,100, down 5.22 per cent year over year

• Single family detached: $1,524,300, down 6.81 per cent year over year

• Composite of all types: $1,160,000, down 6.97 per cent year over year

For the wider picture, TRREB reported 5,057 sales across the Greater Toronto Area in August 2026, down 2.1 per cent from August 2025, with new listings of 12,075, down 14.1 per cent. Richmond Hill itself recorded 161 sales in August 2026 at an average of $1,205,777 across all home types. Our August 2026 GTA market post covers the regional picture in more depth.

What does a condo apartment in North Richvale cost?

Condo apartments are the lowest rung of the ladder in every source above.

In TRREB’s Community Market Report for 2026 Q1, North Richvale recorded 8 condo apartment sales, with an average price of $636K and a median of $600K. Those homes averaged 43 days on the market and sold at an average of 99 per cent of list price.

In the 2025 Q3 report, North Richvale recorded 22 condo apartment sales, with an average of $654K, a median of $683K, an average of 46 days on the market and an average sale-to-list ratio of 96 per cent.

Those are two separate snapshots on different sales counts (8 and 22), so I would not read a direction into them. What they show is the range: medians of $600K and $683K in the two quarters TRREB has published. For a steadier reference point, the Richmond Hill apartment benchmark in August 2026 was $525,800.

Richmond Hill’s condo apartment sales in August 2026 numbered 33, with an average of $538,509 and a median of $500,000 (TRREB Market Watch, August 2026).

What does a condo townhouse cost compared with a freehold townhouse?

These two get mixed up in searches, so it helps to separate them. A condo townhouse is a townhouse within a condominium corporation, which typically means a monthly maintenance fee covering shared elements. A freehold townhouse (TRREB calls it “attached, row or townhouse”) is owned outright with its land, and the owner handles upkeep. Your lawyer can explain exactly what each ownership form means for a specific property.

North Richvale, TRREB Community Market Report:

• 2026 Q1: 5 condo townhouse sales, average $775K, median $730K, 33 days on the market, 96 per cent sale-to-list. For freehold attached, row or townhouse homes, TRREB counted 2 sales and, as it does for two or fewer, did not publish price statistics.

• 2025 Q3: 7 condo townhouse sales, average $821K, median $780K, 53 days on the market, 101 per cent sale-to-list. Freehold attached, row or townhouse: 4 sales, average $1,011K, median $1,025K, 27 days on the market, 95 per cent sale-to-list.

Small samples again: 5 and 7 condo townhouse sales, 2 and 4 freehold ones. Richmond Hill as a whole gives a bigger sample. In August 2026, TRREB reported 9 condo townhouse sales at an average of $716,839 (median $715,000) and 38 freehold attached, row or townhouse sales at an average of $1,030,927 (median $1,026,350).

That is a gap of roughly $314,000 between the two averages. Averages blend different homes, so use them to get oriented, not to price a specific property.

Is there such a thing as a starter detached home in North Richvale?

Honestly, detached is the stretch, not the entry point. In the 2026 Q1 report, North Richvale’s 12 detached sales averaged $1,580K with a median of $1,369K, 57 days on the market and 94 per cent sale-to-list. In 2025 Q3, 26 detached sales averaged $1,546K with a median of $1,356K, 39 days on the market and 95 per cent sale-to-list.

The Richmond Hill detached benchmark for August 2026 was $1,524,300, and the August average across 74 detached sales was $1,667,913 (median $1,482,500).

The average sits above the median in each of those readings, which usually means a handful of higher-priced sales are pulling the average up. The median is often the fairer “typical” figure.

Whether a detached home is within reach for you depends on your down payment, income, debts and what a lender will approve, which a mortgage professional can assess. Townhouses and condos are where the published numbers are lowest, so that is where many first-time buyers begin their search.

How long do homes take to sell, and do buyers pay asking?

In Richmond Hill in August 2026, TRREB reported that freehold attached, row or townhouse homes averaged 37 days on the market and sold at an average of 98 per cent of list price. Condo townhouses averaged 38 days and 100 per cent (Market Watch, August 2026).

In North Richvale, the quarterly averages ranged from 33 to 57 days on the market and 94 to 99 per cent sale-to-list across property types in 2026 Q1, and 27 to 53 days and 95 to 101 per cent in 2025 Q3 (TRREB Community Market Reports). With 2 to 26 sales behind each figure, treat them as rough guides.

Sale-to-list is an average across all sales in that group. Any single home can sell well above or below its asking price, so it says little about what your particular purchase will look like.

What do the latest monthly numbers for North Richvale show?

The figures in this section come from a different source than the TRREB figures above. They are from The Habistat, a data platform that uses PropTx MLS data, for North Richvale, property sales, with data through July 31, 2026. They are not TRREB figures, and because the groupings differ, they will not match TRREB’s quarterly community reports.

Here is January to July 2026 next to January to July 2025, added up from The Habistat’s monthly figures:

Source: The Habistat, using PropTx MLS data, North Richvale, Sale, data through July 31, 2026.

The sales-weighted average price is total sales dollars divided by the number of sales, so it is an average of what happened to sell, not a benchmark of a typical home.

Please read these with care. The samples are small: in these seven months, a month’s sales ran from as few as 2 to as many as 14, so an average price can move a lot depending on which homes happened to sell. “Freehold” here groups several property types (detached, semi-detached, attached row townhouse and link), and “condo” groups several condo property types, so neither is a single kind of home. I am showing the two periods side by side for reference only. They are not a trend and not a forecast, and they are not a price for any one home. For an address you care about, ask me for comparable sales.

What first-time buyer programs can reduce the cost of getting in?

I explain these; I do not determine eligibility. Confirm the details with a mortgage professional, your lawyer or the government pages below before relying on them. Figures below were checked September 21, 2026.

• Ontario land transfer tax refund.The province’s refund for eligible first-time buyers is up to $4,000, and no land transfer tax applies to the first $368,000 of consideration for eligible homes. Eligibility conditions include being at least 18, never having owned a home anywhere in the world, occupying the home within 9 months and being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Source: Ontario.ca, land transfer tax refunds for first-time homebuyers.

• Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP).The Canada Revenue Agency lets eligible buyers withdraw up to $60,000 per person from an RRSP, repaid over 15 years. For a first HBP withdrawal made between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2028, the CRA page states repayment starts in the fifth year after the withdrawal year (withdraw in 2026, first repayment year 2031). Source: CRA, What is the Home Buyers’ Plan.

• First Home Savings Account (FHSA).The CRA lists first-year participation room of $8,000, and contributions are generally deductible. Ask an accountant how it fits with your other savings. Source: CRA, First Home Savings Account.

Nothing here is a promise that you will qualify. For your own situation, a mortgage professional can speak to financing and your accountant to the tax side. Our buying resources page collects the buyer guides in one place.

What is nearby, and how do you get around?

This section describes places and services, using each organization’s own information. Distances depend on the address, so map any home you are considering.

• Recreation.The City of Richmond Hill lists the Richvale Community Centre and Pool at 160 Avenue Road, with a 25 m six-lane pool, a tot pool with hydro-therapy jets, a 3,900 sq ft gymnasium and eight meeting rooms. Check the City page for current hours and any maintenance closures.

• Library.The Richvale Branch of the Richmond Hill Public Library is at 40 Pearson Avenue, with public computers, printing and a children’s area.

• Parks.The City’s directory lists Morgan Boyle Park (5B Pearson Avenue: ball diamond, playground, tennis courts, soccer field) and Hunter’s Point Wildlife Park (Hunters Point Drive: tennis and a trail). I have not confirmed which are within a given walking distance of a specific address, so use the City’s parks, trails and facilities directory.

• Shopping.Hillcrest Mall, at 9350 Yonge Street, describes itself as having over 140 stores and eateries. Store lists change, so check the mall’s site.

• Hospital.Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital is at 10 Trench Street and offers emergency and urgent care.

• Transit.York Region Transit runs Viva rapid transit, which connects Richmond Hill with neighbouring cities, the Toronto subway and GO Transit. Use the YRT trip planner for the routes and frequencies at a specific address. Metrolinx describes the Yonge North Subway Extension as about 8 kilometres with five stations, with service to begin after the Ontario Line is complete. It has not published an opening date, so I will not give one.

• Schools. School assignment depends on the address, and boundaries change. Use the York Region District School Board’s School Locator, and confirm with the board directly.

What should I check before I buy a condo or townhouse here?

A short checklist to take to your lawyer and your inspection:

• For a condo:the status certificate (it shows the corporation’s finances, rules and any special assessments), the monthly maintenance fee and what it covers, the reserve fund position, and any planned major repairs.

• For a condo townhouse:which parts of the exterior and grounds the corporation maintains and which are yours.

• For a freehold townhouse:the age and condition of the roof, windows, furnace, and any shared driveway or fence agreements, plus a home inspection.

• For any purchase:the property taxes, parking and locker arrangements, and any restrictions that matter to you.

Your real estate lawyer reviews the documents and explains what they mean for you. A licensed home inspector assesses condition. I can help you compare comparable sales.

If you would like to see what is on the market in this part of Richmond Hill, start with the ABRE Team home finder or call the ABRE Team at 416-886-2000. We will show you comparable sales, explain the numbers, and tell you plainly what we see. Our explainer on buyers’, sellers’ and balanced markets is a good companion read.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a condo apartment cost in North Richvale, Richmond Hill?

In TRREB’s 2026 Q1 Community Market Report, North Richvale’s 8 condo apartment sales averaged $636K with a median of $600K. In 2025 Q3, 22 sales averaged $654K. These are small samples from separate quarters, not a trend. For a steadier Richmond Hill measure, TRREB’s August 2026 apartment benchmark was $525,800.

What is the difference in price between a condo townhouse and a freehold townhouse in Richmond Hill?

In August 2026, TRREB reported 9 Richmond Hill condo townhouse sales at an average of $716,839 and 38 freehold attached, row or townhouse sales at an average of $1,030,927, a gap of about $314,000. Averages mix different homes, and condo townhouses typically carry monthly fees, so compare specific properties with a broker and your lawyer.

Can a first-time buyer afford a detached house in North Richvale?

That depends on your down payment, income, debts and what a lender approves, so a mortgage professional is the right person to ask. For context, North Richvale’s 12 detached sales in 2026 Q1 averaged $1,580K (TRREB), and the Richmond Hill detached benchmark for August 2026 was $1,524,300.

Where is North Richvale, and how is it different from South Richvale?

North Richvale is bounded by Bathurst Street, Yonge Street, Carrville Road and Major Mackenzie Drive. TRREB reports North Richvale and South Richvale as separate communities in its Richmond Hill Community Market Report, so their figures are not interchangeable. Boundaries vary by source, so check the MLS community field for a specific address.

Do first-time buyers pay land transfer tax in Ontario?

Ontario land transfer tax generally applies, but eligible first-time buyers can receive a refund of up to $4,000, and no tax applies to the first $368,000 of consideration for eligible homes, according to Ontario.ca as checked September 21, 2026. Eligibility has conditions, so confirm yours with your real estate lawyer.

How much can I withdraw from my RRSP to buy my first home?

The CRA’s Home Buyers’ Plan allows eligible buyers to withdraw up to $60,000 per person, repaid over 15 years. For a first withdrawal between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2028, repayment starts in the fifth year after the withdrawal year (CRA, checked September 21, 2026). Confirm your eligibility with the CRA or an accountant.

How long do homes take to sell in Richmond Hill right now?

In August 2026, TRREB reported Richmond Hill freehold attached, row or townhouse homes averaged 37 days on the market at 98 per cent of list price, and condo townhouses 38 days at 100 per cent. Days on market vary widely by home, price and condition, so treat averages as a rough guide.

Is North Richvale close to transit?

York Region Transit operates Viva rapid transit in Richmond Hill, connecting to the Toronto subway and GO Transit. Which routes and how often they run depends on the address, so check the YRT trip planner for any home you are considering. The Yonge North Subway Extension is under construction, and Metrolinx has not published an opening date.

Sources

• Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, Market Watch, August 2026, released September 3, 2026. Richmond Hill sales, prices and MLS Home Price Index benchmarks (pages 3, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 25); GTA headline figures (page 1).TRREB Market Watch.

• TRREB, Community Housing Market Report, York, Richmond Hill, 2026 Q1: “Richmond Hill: North Richvale”.PDF. TRREB notes statistics are not reported when transactions are two or fewer, and that quarterly community statistics may not match sums calculated from past publications.

• TRREB, Community Housing Market Report, York, Richmond Hill, 2025 Q3: “Richmond Hill: North Richvale”.PDF.

• The Habistat, using PropTx MLS data, North Richvale, Sale, monthly sales, average price and new listings, January 2025 to July 2026, data through July 31, 2026. Not TRREB data.

• Ontario.ca, Land transfer tax refunds for first-time homebuyers, checked September 21, 2026.Link.

• Canada Revenue Agency, What is the Home Buyers’ Plan, checked September 21, 2026.Link.

• Canada Revenue Agency, First Home Savings Account, checked September 21, 2026.Link.

• City of Richmond Hill, Richvale Community Centre and Pool, and Parks, Trails and Facilities directory, checked September 21, 2026.Richvale Community Centre and Pool.

• Richmond Hill Public Library, Richvale Branch, checked September 21, 2026.Link.

• Hillcrest Mall,hillcrestmall.ca, and Mackenzie Health,Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, checked September 21, 2026.

• York Region Transit,Viva routes; Metrolinx,Yonge North Subway Extension; York Region District School Board,School Locator, checked September 21, 2026.

Ali Bolourchi, BSc, MS, PSA, ABR®, Broker of A.B.R.E. Team with REMAX® Your Community Realty Inc, 8854 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill

This article is general market information, not financial, mortgage, legal or tax advice. North Richvale figures come from very small samples (TRREB quarterly reports with 2 to 26 sales per property type, and The Habistat monthly figures with as few as 2 sales in a month) and are snapshots, not trends or predictions. Market figures change monthly and program rules change; confirm your own position with a licensed mortgage professional, your lawyer and your accountant before acting.