More Canadians no longer see cottages as a weekend getaway but as a full-time lifestyle. As a result, the price of single-family homes in some cottage country areas rose 11.5% in the first nine months of 2020. In these areas, realtors also reported they’ve noticed a significant increase in interest from the remote workforce who want to relocate to cottage areas as their primary residence.

If you’re considering moving out of the city to an area with more affordable housing and a slower pace of life, then cottage country maybe your next full-time residence. But moving so far from the city isn’t all benefits. This article reviews the pros and cons of moving to a cottage country.

Moving to cottage country is now possible with remote work

The pandemic has shifted how we go about our daily work. Instead of sticking it to an office 9 to 5, we’re able to work anywhere with an internet connection. Although many businesses will revert to the office after the pandemic, remote work will continue for others. This pivot to remote work lets Canadians move to cottage country areas such as Muskoka in Ontario, the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, or Eastern Townships in Quebec while retaining their city job.

There’s also a strong chance that once companies ask their employees to move back to the office, policies will open up to work-from-home days. Travelling from cottage country to the city five days a week may be too much of a hassle to justify moving to Muskoka or Sunshine Coast. But if down the road, you could work from home three days a week and only travel to the city the other two days, it may turn a full-time cottage life into more of a possibility.

You can find a home with more space at a lower cost

When you buy a home in a city, most of the hefty price tag isn’t for the building but the land underneath. High demand, strict building regulations, and dense populations make residential land in populous cities insanely expensive. That’s why Toronto and Vancouver’s properties often provide little square footage for a $1 million+ listing price.

Cottage areas have less demand, more land available, and a relatively sparse population. When you purchase a cottage property, your money goes further because the land is less expensive. These, overall, make cottage properties more affordable. It could even be a terrific option as a first home.

The opportunity to purchase more space for less capital can make it easier to raise or take care of your children, create a home office, or start hobbies that you couldn’t have in an 800-square foot city condo apartment.

The premium you pay for land in larger cities is because you’re in proximity to office spaces, entertainment, and other amenities. But, if you’re able to work remotely, there’s little point in swallowing such a premium price when you’re not even going to an office. Cottage countries can offer entertainment and amenities not available in the city, such as hiking trails, lakes, and better air quality.

Cottage country provides a slower pace of life that’s closer to nature

City life moves quickly. You may move from work to the gym, to dinner with friends. As much fun as this sounds, it gets exhausting. Sometimes, the lack of restaurants and bars and other entertainment amenities in cottage areas is a benefit. Cottage country ultimately provides a slower pace of life.

Say goodbye to big-city amenities when moving to cottage country

As you move further away from the city, many of the big city amenities you may be used to disappear. Cities can provide certain businesses or services due to the dense population, which creates enough demand for certain things to keep said services around. There may be gluten-free bakeries and organic grocery stores on every corner in downtown Toronto and Vancouver. But it’s less likely you’ll find these in Muskoka.

From food delivery to online shopping, delivery services may experience longer-than-normal delivery times in more rural areas. You may also find more expensive delivery fees to get your packages, especially for large items like furniture and appliances, because cottage locations are relatively remote.

A car is the only way to move around cottage country

Due to relatively sparse populations, cottage countries lack the same public transportation systems as major cities. There’s no Skytrain or TTC subway in these areas. A personal car is mandatory if you want to get around. Even ridesharing apps likely won’t have the same availability as what you’re used to.

Further, because the land is so abundant in cottage areas, there’s also no reason to pack services together closely. You may find a dry cleaner, grocery store, bakery, and lunch spot all in one block in major cities, but each one can easily be a five-minute drive from the other in cottage country.

More green space comes with a price

Cottage country might be the opportunity to get a big backyard for your kids and pets. But remember that a large backyard means more lawn maintenance. The number of businesses available in cottage areas to help you maintain this space may also be limited.

Additionally, the abundance of green space can also mean more animals — not all of which are friendly. Some cottage areas feature coyotes, bears, and many unwanted pests. This can be especially dangerous if you have dogs that enjoy wandering in the backyard.

There are many pros and cons to moving to a cottage country. The world’s pivot to remote work now makes shifting to a cottage property full-time while retaining a big city salary a possibility. Further, these areas can provide more affordable housing with a slower pace of life closer to nature. However, the drawbacks include losing favourite amenities, gaining a need to drive everywhere, and the additional responsibilities that come with more green space. Cottage country is a terrific opportunity, but ultimately it isn’t for everyone.

The post The Pros and Cons of Moving to Cottage Country first appeared on RankMyAgent - Trusted resource about Buying, Selling and Renting.

For many old souls, living in a cottage by the woods near the lake is the ultimate old-fashioned childhood dream. What’s not to love about cottage life? A cozy country cottage with old-house vintage charm — wood-plank floors, refreshing old-fangled kitchen with oak beams, a flower garden, a vegetable patch and a dazzling lake view. Imagine log fires, idyllic breakfasts and romantic dinners. Long walks by the beach or by the lake. Horse-back riding by the beautiful countryside. Secret verdant gardens and really awesome walking trails right outside your cottage’s garden gate. These are just some of the perks of living in a cottage.

If cottage life is your definitive dream, take note of the following important things you need to consider when starting out your search in buying a cottage.

Choose the Site

If you’re buying a cottage by the sea or by the lake, make sure you take a good look at the historical background of the property. Find out how fast the soil is eroding and how much land has worn down in current years. If you really want to buy a cottage near the shore, make sure the cottage is nearer the inland for safety reasons.

Consider Solitude

Do you want to live near a crowded lake? Do you want your neighbors to live close by? Do you want to live in a private cottage community with just a few neighbors? These are crucial questions you need to answer when you’re considering buying your first cottage.

Think About Convenience

Find a cottage that is accessible through land and water. Consider the road access during the different seasons. You might need more than just a boat to get there or a four-wheel drive vehicle at some periods of the year. Check out if the roads are well-maintained all year round. Consider the travel time as well. What is your limit?

Check the Environment

Consider the surroundings of the cottage that you’re intending to buy. Is the view beautiful? Is it in a higher plain for a better view? If yes, would you mind the climbing? Does it have a stunning sunset view? A property with a sunrise view is more often cheaper compared to the property with the afternoon sunset view. If the cottage is by the side of the lake, check out the size of the lake. Is it a large one where you can go boating and do other water activities like fishing? What kind of shoreline does your waterfront have? Is it a sandy shoreline? Is it deep enough to dive or dock your boat? Is the surrounding area a woodland area? Does it have a faster way in the beach?

Check out the Existing Systems

Does the cottage have drilled well for its water system? Is there hydro available? What about the means for cooking and heating system? Make sure a professional inspector checks out and reviews the systems of the cottage. If the place is cold, like in other areas where it gets rainy and foggy even during summer, make sure your cottage is insulated. Look into possible installation of a fireplace or stoves to keep you warm and toasty in case the temperature drops.

Consider the Local Laws

Find out restrictions regarding building a new dock in your shorelines. Find a local real estate agent who knows a good deal about the cottage and its property. The local real estate professional will lead you to a local lawyer who is well-versed about the pertinent information you need – like information sources, local tourist associations, cottage life associations, lake associations, local legislations, official plans and many more.

Before buying the cottage of your dreams, it’s important to put into consideration the aforementioned things. Make sure you weigh all your options and you have chosen what kind of cottage living that will best fit your personal preferences. Would you like cottage living by the water? Or would you prefer cottage living by the woods or lake? Do you want a lot of neighbours? Or do you prefer to be isolated? Each cottage living offers a unique experience. Decide on what you really want before you pick out a spot. Remember, these things are dependent on your personal choices, preferences and inclinations.

The post Top 7 Things to Consider when Buying Your First Cottage first appeared on RankMyAgent - Trusted resource about Buying, Selling and Renting.