Recreational Properties Becoming a Strategic Entry Point for Canadian Buyers, REMAX Canada Says
Recreational Property Market Canada Trends Reshape Homeownership Strategies
TORONTO — Recreational properties are increasingly being viewed as a practical entry point into homeownership and long-term wealth building as affordability pressures continue to challenge buyers in Canada’s major urban markets, according to a new survey commissioned by REMAX Canada.
The report, released Tuesday, found that 45 per cent of prospective Canadian buyers plan to purchase a recreational property as a way to enter the broader housing market, while 60 per cent of current recreational property owners say their property forms part of their long-term financial strategy.
“What we’re seeing is a more thoughtful, strategic buyer emerge in the recreational market,” said Don Kottick, President of REMAX Canada. “Recreational properties are no longer viewed solely as discretionary purchases, but instead as a foothold into homeownership with long-term value potential.”
Younger Buyers Driving Recreational Market Interest
The shift is particularly noticeable among younger Canadians. According to the survey, 54 per cent of Canadians aged 18 to 34 plan to include a recreational property in their portfolio, compared to 30 per cent among those aged 35 and older.
REMAX Canada’s analysis of 21 recreational markets across the country also found that more than half are expected to remain buyer’s markets in 2026, while one-third are forecast to remain balanced. The national average recreational property price is expected to rise 1.5 per cent through the remainder of the year.
“After years of dramatic swings, Canada’s housing market is finding its footing, and that stability is extending into the recreational segment,” Kottick said.
Ontario Cottage Country Continues to Attract Buyers
Regional trends continue shaping demand, particularly in Ontario cottage country markets such as Kawartha Lakes, where brokers report increasing interest from buyers seeking long-term, legacy-focused purchases.
In more affordable regions, including parts of Northern Ontario and Atlantic Canada, recreational properties are increasingly viewed as lower-cost entry points into the housing market that also offer lifestyle benefits and appreciation potential.
The report also noted that return-to-office policies are influencing ownership decisions. Among current recreational property owners, 28 per cent said return-to-office mandates are prompting them to consider selling, while 14 per cent of non-owners said such policies are making them hesitant to purchase.
Buyers Seeking Move-In Ready and Year-Round Properties
Consumer preferences are also evolving, with 61 per cent of Canadians saying they would prefer a recently renovated recreational property if they were buying today. Additionally, 59 per cent said they would want a property that supports year-round use rather than seasonal occupancy.
“It’s no longer just about having a place to escape,” Kottick said. “Buyers want properties that are ready from day one and flexible enough to support everything from weekend use to full-time living.”
At the same time, rising maintenance costs remain a growing concern. Two in five Canadians surveyed said ongoing upkeep expenses would not be manageable if they inherited a recreational property.
Brokers also reported growing demand for information related to infrastructure, including septic systems and docks, as well as environmental risks such as flooding, erosion, and wildfire exposure.
Recreational Properties Increasingly Viewed as Generational Assets
According to broker-submitted survey data, many buyers are now viewing recreational properties as part of intergenerational wealth planning. This trend is particularly evident in Ontario markets such as Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
“We’re seeing recreational properties play an increasingly important role in how Canadians think about legacy and wealth transfer,” Kottick said. “For many, it’s about building equity in a different segment of the market while creating something tangible that can be held, leveraged, and passed down across generations.”
The findings come as many prospective homebuyers across the Greater Toronto Area continue exploring alternative paths into ownership amid elevated housing prices and ongoing affordability challenges.
This article is based on information provided by REMAX Canada and has been prepared for publication by GTA Today.
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