10 things a cottage owner can be thankful for... 

1. Given the recent list of real estate prices — you already own a cottage.
2. All the summer renos and chores are done — (just in time for winter prep to begin).
3. You have a place to use blankets, clothes and dishes from 1981.

4. Instead of teddy bears — you get the real deal (and various other wild furry animals that like to visit).
5. The cottage is a vacation home — and therefore you can eat and drink guilt free.
6. You always have the excuse “I’m on vacation.”
7. You can wear the same outfit umpteen days in a row — regardless of how it looks.
8. If you run out of something you learn to live without since the corner store feels too far away — (unless the need is for beer).
9. The kids are actually more interested in their own reality than Reality TV.
10. You can take the “please save your flushes” sign down for another year.

The Price of a Dream: The national average for recreational property is rising — How much does your dream cottage cost?

They say it pays to dream big. However if you are one of the many who aspire to have that humble cottage on the water — your dream just got more expensive. According to the annual property report published by real estate firm, Royal LePage, the average waterfront, recreational property in Canada, is now $380,956. From this study done by Maritz Research, these numbers account for a standard living space of 1,000 square feet, two bedrooms and one bathroom. That is the average, but all is not created equal. Depending on where you want your personal retreat, you will surely pay the price.

Popular waterfront areas in British Columbia and Alberta start in around the $900,000 mark. To balance that number out, the Maritimes offer more affordable options starting as low as $50,000. Crossing through central Canada between areas of Ontario to Saskatchewan averages range from $150,000-$300,000.

And prices are only expected to rise. Real Estate reporter Elizabeth Church says waterfront properties are in demand due to the, “growing wave of retiring workers.” Baby boomers are starting to indulge in recreational lifestyles. Church suggests that many of these people are interested in larger cottages that they can use all year round. And as the number of retirees increase, so are the prices for property.

The resource industry in Alberta is another trend driving real estate prices across Western Canada. As the economy booms, workers in the field are making five figure incomes and buying cottages as their “get- a-way”. Supply and demand is also an issue. Canada is a country that borders two oceans and hundreds of lakes and rivers. However, when waterfront land is gone, it’s gone. The Maritz Research survey found that only 15 per cent of current owners are interested in selling.  As the number of buyers’ increases and available land decreases, property price will be at a premium. 

Written by Desiree Daniel.