Richmond Hill's New Council Term Begins November 15: What It Means for Homeowners, Buyers, and Sellers

On October 26, Richmond Hill voters went to the polls and returned the entire sitting council to office. Mayor David West was re-elected with 36,205 votes — 83.55% of ballots cast — and both regional and local councillors and all six ward councillors kept their seats. The City Clerk certified the results on October 28, and the new term of council begins November 15, 2026, running to November 14, 2030. The inaugural meeting is scheduled for November 23.

For most residents, a municipal election can feel distant from buying or selling a home. But council decisions shape property taxes, development, and transit — all of which feed directly into home values and the cost of living in Richmond Hill. Here is what to watch as the new term begins.

Continuity, not change

The headline from this election is continuity. With every incumbent returned, there is no learning curve at City Hall and no sudden change of direction on the files already in motion. That stability matters for the housing market: buyers and sellers both benefit when the rules of the game are predictable.

The files that will return to the council agenda are familiar ones — housing, infrastructure maintenance, transportation, and street safety. These are the issues that affect your street, your commute, and your tax bill.

Growth is coming — and the city is planning for it

Richmond Hill is expected to welcome about 25,000 new residents by 2031, and the province has asked the city to accommodate 27,000 additional homes by that same year. The city's 2026 capital budget — $121.1 million across more than 152 projects — is aimed at keeping pace, from road resurfacing to watermain upgrades.

For homeowners, growth on this scale cuts both ways. New supply can ease upward pressure on prices over time, which is good news for buyers, while well-planned infrastructure supports long-term values in established neighbourhoods. One project to watch is the Yonge North Subway Extension, which the city continues to raise with the province — homes near the corridor would see a meaningful boost in accessibility and appeal if it moves forward.

What it costs to own a home here

The 2026 budget brought a 3.46% increase in the city portion of the property tax rate — about $6.29 more per month on the city portion of the tax bill for the average single-detached home, assessed at $1,146,000. It is worth remembering that Richmond Hill controls only about 28% of your residential property tax bill; roughly 52% goes to York Region and 20% to school boards.

For buyers comparing neighbourhoods across York Region, the full tax picture matters more than any single line. And for sellers, a clear understanding of carrying costs helps you position your home honestly with buyers who are doing the same math.

Rental housing: a gap worth watching

One debate from the outgoing council's final meetings highlighted a real gap in our market: Richmond Hill has only about 1,800 purpose-built rental units for a population of more than 200,000. Council considered — and ultimately rejected — a 40-year deferral of development charges for qualifying purpose-built rental buildings, citing the financial risk to the city.

That debate is not over. Rental supply affects everyone: it gives young adults, newcomers, and downsizers a place to live, and it takes pressure off the investor-owned condo market many renters currently rely on. For investors, the direction of rental policy in this term will shape whether purpose-built rental becomes a realistic opportunity in Richmond Hill.

What this means for your next move

If you are buying, a stable council and a city investing in infrastructure is a good backdrop — but focus on the fundamentals: location, transit access, and a home that fits your budget with room for carrying costs. If you are selling, continuity at City Hall removes one source of uncertainty; the bigger questions remain the ones you can control: pricing, presentation, and timing. And if you are simply a homeowner, the new term is a good moment to get informed — council meetings are open to the public, in person and online, and the decisions made there will shape your neighbourhood for the next four years.

How M2Team can help

Whether you are buying, selling, or just wondering what your Richmond Hill home is worth in today's market, the M2Team at Right At Home Realty is here to help. Contact us for a no-obligation home evaluation and an honest conversation about your next move.