Skip to Content News Archives Economy Energy Oil & Gas Renewables Electric Vehicles Mining Commodities Agriculture Real Estate Mortgages Mortgage Rates Finance Banking Insurance Fintech Cryptocurrency Work Wealth Smart Money Wealth Management Investor Personal Finance Family Finance Retirement Taxes High Net Worth FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials More Innovation Information Technology FP500 Podcasts Small Business Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Financial Post Store Obituaries Place a Notice Advertising Advertising With Us Advertising Solutions Postmedia Ad Manager Sponsorship Requests Classifieds Place a Classifieds ad Working Profile Settings My Subscriptions Saved Articles My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ News Economy Energy Mining Real Estate Finance Work Wealth Investor FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials HomeReal EstateYoung Canadians turning to recreational properties as alternative route to homeownershipA recent REMAX survey suggests buyer motivation is evolving alongside affordability pressure in major cities You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.According to the survey, 45 per cent of prospective Canadian buyers planning to buy a recreational property said they view the purchase as an entry-point into the broader housing market. Photo by BRUNSWICK NEWS ARCHIVES/PostmediaFor many Canadians, the Victoria Day long weekend signals the unofficial start to cottage season. However, this year, recreational real estate is attracting a demographic of buyers looking beyond the traditional vacation property.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorAccording to two new industry reports from REMAX and Royal LePage, younger Canadians are increasingly viewing cottages as a strategic bridge into homeownership and wealth building rather than just a place to get away.Royal LePage forecasts the median price of a single-family recreational home in Canada will rise four per cent this year to $604,552, following a 4.3 per cent increase in 2025 to $581,300. The brokerage expects prices to increase despite the broader economic uncertainty.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again“Concerns about the state of global affairs are certainly on the minds of many Canadians right now, including recreational property buyers, and are tempering demand in parts of the country,” said Phil Soper, president and CEO, Royal LePage. “At the same time, limited supply is supporting price gains in many markets.”A recent REMAX survey suggests buyer motivation is evolving alongside affordability pressure in major cities.According to the survey, 45 per cent of prospective Canadian buyers planning to buy a recreational property said they view the purchase as an entry-point into the broader housing market, while 60 per cent of current recreational property owners said their property is a part of their long-term wealth strategy.The trend appeared particularly pronounced among Canadians aged 18 to 34, 54 per cent of whom said recreational property plays a role in their long-term financial planning. By comparison, only 30 per cent of those 35 and older share that view.“What we’re seeing is a more thoughtful, strategic buyer emerge in the recreational market,” said Don Kottick, president of REMAX Canada, in a press release Tuesday. “Recreational properties are no longer viewed solely as discretionary purchases, but instead as a foothold into homeownership with long-term value potential.”The survey also suggests that more than half of Canadian recreational homebuyers are looking for properties that offer year-round living abilities versus seasonal. Sixty-one per cent of those surveyed by REMAX said they would prefer a recently renovated property.Both reports found varying market conditions across the country.Alberta and Atlantic Canada recorded some of the strongest price growth in 2025. In Alberta, the weighted median home price for a single-family recreational property rose 10.8 per cent to $859,800 year over year. Properties in the same category in Atlantic Canada edged up 11.8 per cent to $344,100 for the same period.Ontario’s weighted median home price for a single-family recreational property increased just 0.4 per cent year over year to $631,100, while the median price for waterfront property declined five per cent.Properties in British Columbia recorded a 2.8 per cent price increase, with Pemberton posting the largest price jump. The weighted median home prices for a single-family recreational property in the region was $1,718,500 year over year in 2025 –– an increase of 33.6 per cent. Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.