It’s a long weekend, summer is mere weeks away, and what better way to wile away those hot, sunny days in a province known for it’s fabulous lake life? At the cottage!
The best thing about living in Manitoba is that you can be hiking, fishing or laying on a sandy beach beside sparkling water in under an hour’s drive. But if you want maximum convenience and exclusivity, owning your own cottage offers every amenity right at your fingertips.
If you’re looking to make your first cottage purchase — or simply want to upgrade — here are a few important points to consider before you make the move.
Focus on your dream
Whether you’re eyeing a cottage by the lake or one that’s nestled in the forest, there are many unique settings to consider when buying a rural property. The location you choose will be determined by the type of cottage experience you’re dreaming about.
If you’re looking for an active lifestyle, you’ll want to be near amenities like hiking and biking trails, or if you prefer water sports and fishing, you’ll want to have a waterfront property with a dock, or at least be situated near a marina. If you prefer to work on your tan all day or have a place for kids to make sand castles, you’ll need to determine how close you are to a beach.
How remote your cottage is will play a role in your purchase as well. You may not want to feel too isolated and prefer to be fairly close to neighbours or entertainment so you can easily socialize. Or, you may prefer a completely immersive experience from that in the city, and prefer not to see or hear any neighbours for miles. The options for your perfect adventure are endless!
Property access and amenities
Your cottage’s location can greatly impact your lifestyle, especially if you decide to live there year-round. Something important you’ll need to determine when buying a cottage property is how you’ll be able to access the home. If you plan to live at your cottage year-round, you’ll want to ensure the roads to get to and from your residence are well maintained and accessible, especially during the winter.
You’ll also want to consider proximity to basic amenities, such as grocery stores, pharmacies and hospitals. Most cottage buyers prefer to be within 30 minutes of a small town where these services are available, and preferably not more than three hours from a major urban centre. This is easily accomplished in Manitoba, where lake country is never very far away.
This close proximity is especially beneficial if you have a work-from-home arrangement. If you have to drive into the office once or twice per week, you don’t have to worry about an overly long commute.
Infrastructure and winterization
Unlike a city or suburban home, cottage properties don’t always share municipal services. Instead, cottage dwellers will have to get familiar with the rural infrastructure needed to independently manage their home’s water, heating and sanitation utilities.
You have to be aware of the types of systems your home uses. Some properties feature dug or drilled wells, and source water from nearby rivers and lakes. Make note of how the home processes sewage, like through a septic tank, which is stored on-site and underground. You’ll also need to learn about how you can dispose of your garbage, whether a regular pick-up service is available or if you’ll be required to drive to the local dump.
If your plan is to live at the cottage all year round, it’s vital your home is properly winterized and can withstand the cold. Check that the home is well insulated in the walls, pipes and roof, and to make sure the heating source is efficient for the size of the property. Be sure the cottage can also supply water in the freezing months with the help of a defrost line into the well or a heat trace that will keep the pipes from freezing. If it has a fireplace, get it inspected to see if it works.
If you’re planning on working remotely, be sure to confirm you can receive reliable mobile phone and internet service at the cottage. Some areas have great service, while others don’t. You may have to consider alternative service providers if you’re in one of the “dead zones.”
Upkeep costs
Just like any home, cottages come with a range of maintenance costs, though some of these expenses are unique to rural areas.
You’ll want to factor in long-term upkeep expenses, like keeping the driveway in good condition so it’s easily accessible. Your property may be on a septic system, which will require pumping every three to five years depending on its size and usage, which also contributes to maintenance costs. Also important is the health of any trees and their orientation towards the house. Sure, the curb appeal with trees is amazing, but it’s important to check how healthy those trees are because cutting down sickly or poorly placed trees can get expensive.
Financing and insurance
When it comes to financing your property, there are a number of factors that will contribute to your insurance rates, such as your distance from local fire stations, if your home is elevated from nearby water, and even how often the home is occupied.
The mortgage lending process will also look a bit different from what’s involved for your typical city or suburban home. If you want your cottage to act as a second home, you would need a second mortgage, in addition to your current home’s mortgage. Typically when buying a cottage you need to have a minimum down payment of 5% to 10% of the value of the cottage. So it’s crucial to understand the different implications for each cottage mortgage provider.
There’s a lot more to think about than which iced bevvy you’re going to sip on while you relax out on your dock. Enlisting the help of a local REALTOR® who specializes in the cottage lifestyle ensures that not only are you getting the most up-to-date advice about rural living, but that you find the perfect cottage for the best summer ever.
— Realtor.ca