According to a 2021 report on recreational properties, one in four Canadians would consider buying a second home or cottage. This is due in part to the popularity of working remotely as well as the more affordable recreational property market compared to urban markets. Read our article as our home inspectors reveal 5 important things to consider when buying a second home.

1. Location, location, location
As with any other type of real estate, it is essential to consider the location when buying a second home or a cottage. Do you like winter sports? Check to see if there are ski hills nearby. Are you a boating type? Does the property have waterfront or access to a body of water? What about the neighborhood? Will you have the privacy you’re looking for or will you have to put up with the neighbor’s music every weekend…

2. Water quality
I won’t teach you anything by telling you that the proximity of a polluted waterway is not the best place to buy a cottage… Take a walk around the property and talk to the neighbors. Through these exchanges, you will learn if they fish, swim or avoid the water altogether.

But surface water quality isn’t the only thing to consider. More remote properties are often supplied with water from a well. Take advantage of the pre-purchase inspector’s presence to have the water quality tested as well.

3. Wastewater
One of the most important things you should consider before buying a vacation home or cottage is wastewater: where does it go? The vast majority of these properties use a septic tank for wastewater. You will need to hire a specialized firm to inspect the septic system, as your mortgage lender will most likely ask for a certificate of compliance.

4. Access… in general
It goes without saying that cottages that are accessible only by water are less expensive, and the reason for this is simple: few people want to deal with the supply of water to their second home or cottage by boat. And this is even more true if you need to undertake some work…

If the property is accessible by car and you intend to enjoy it in summer and winter, check if the roads are cleared of snow and driveable all year round. Do you have to drive through a major urban center to get there? If so, are you likely to encounter traffic? Are there alternative routes you can take?

5. Electricity, telephone and internet?
When it comes to second homes and cottages, some of us want to unplug and have access to a minimum of technology. Living the hard way. Others, on the contrary, want to be able to listen to their favorite show and take it easy in the hot tub on the terrace… So when it comes to electricity, phone and internet, be honest with yourself and analyze your needs with candor. Then, check if the area you’re looking for is covered with the providers of these different services, especially if you’re considering working remotely from your second home.

So whether you’re thinking of buying a house, condo, commercial building, second home or cottage, if there’s one thing that never changes it’s the importance of having the building inspected before you go ahead with the offer to purchase.