As you wile away the summer on one of Manitoba’s many gorgeous beaches or waterways, it may have occurred to you that you don’t want to ever leave. The sunshine, the sand, the dock, the lapping waves — what’s not to love?
If you have the wherewithall, you can literally buy a cottage that will allow you to stay at the beach or your favourite fishing hole all summer long. Even better? Buy a winterized 4-season cottage and enjoy it all year long!
If you decide to take the plunge into cottage homeownership, here are eight things you should consider when buying a waterfront property.
Make sure you have the budget to buy a property directly on a lake
On some lakes, you can shell out at least 40% more for a house with private water access. If that’s not an option, are you willing to consider shared access? Are you fine with walking to the beach, or taking a short bicycle ride or drive to a nearby public beach?
Do you want to use boat or do you prefer an eco-friendly lake?
If part of your cottage plan includes wakeboarding or water skiing, you’ll want to make sure you’re looking at lakes that permit motorized boating. Is the lake deep enough to accommodate a motorboat or the activities you have in mind? Do you have access to a private or public launch? Is it safe for swimming? If you’re more into quietly canoeing or kayaking, then look for options that may exclude noisy boats.
Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?
If you are more of a night owl, you will want to enjoy sunsets on your newly-acquired piece of heaven. The location of the cottage or house will be very important depending on whether you want a picturesque sunset or an energizing sunrise right outside your screened porch or out on your dock.
Are you buying a year-round property or a three-season weekend getaway?
If you are looking for a weekend getaway, you will want to avoid travelling too far from your main residence. Are you aiming for a 60-minute or less commute? This will narrow down the bodies of water available to you. If you’re willing to drive a bit longer, you have many more options to choose from.
If you decide to make a more permanent move, be sure to think about services like sewage, snow removal and Internet access, as well as neighbourhood amenities like grocery stores, banks and pharmacies. Commute time is important here, too, in case you need to drive into the city or a nearby town to see your doctor, or to visit friends and family.
Is the cottage bordering a protected area?
Do you know whether the property includes or borders wetland areas, a riparian buffer strip or even protected wildlife breeding grounds? Most waterfront areas have regulations that prohibit cutting trees or vegetation, demolishing and rebuilding or even installing septic tanks due to lack of adequate space from the waterfront or protected area(s). You will need to put your research skills to the test to confirm the bylaws, which may also include consultation with local conservation authorities.
Where a septic tank is not possible, you may be able to use a holding tank, which is designed to hold all wastewater to prevent seepage into the environment. For many people this is an adjustment, as water usage can quickly sneak up on them (think water used for toilets, sinks, showers, dishwasher and washing machine) and you’ll have to hire a licensed contractor to empty it. Some areas even require the installation of a tertiary septic system, or personal water filtration plant, where the treated water is then discharged into a retention ditch or stream.
Work with a REALTOR® who knows the area and can help you navigate the murky waters of what is allowed and what is not, especially if you’re planning to build or renovate.
Are you comfortable having neighbours or do you want some degree of isolation?
Waterfront properties are highly sought after. They can be quite busy with boat traffic and other motorized watercraft. So, if you’re looking for complete peace and quiet, a more suitable choice might be a woodland or countryside house or cottage near a river or pond, or with deeded or public water access.
Are there attractions for you to enjoy all year round?
While your waterfront property may provide all the activity you need when the weather is nice, are there other attractions to keep you busy in the off season? Being near ski slopes, snowshoeing, ice fishing, hiking — or even restaurants — may help give you more bang for your buck. If you’re planning on renting out your cottage for part of the season, consider what area attractions and amenities are nearby that will make your cottage more appealing.
Enlist the help of a local REALTOR®
Using an experienced REALTOR® will determine whether you’ll sink or swim during the cottage buying process. Always work with a local REALTOR® — they’re best equipped to know the area, the bylaws and, most importantly, the properties for sale that might be of interest to you. If you’re going to do any renovations or additions, they have all the contacts for local builders and suppliers.
By enlisting the help of an experienced REALTOR®, you could be enjoying your private retreat without missing a day of summer fun.
— REALTOR.ca