What to Know About Buying a Cottage

Buying a cottage feels like a dream come true for many homeowners. It can be a piece of your own private paradise, after all. In this article, we’ll talk about the things you should know about before you buy a cottage. Read on!

Costs

The cost of owning and maintaining a cottage differs greatly from that of your main residence. Case in point: insurance costs for cottages can be higher because the property can be empty for a long time.

Weather-related issues also tend to be more severe. In coastal areas, hurricanes and flooding are common. Meanwhile, island cottages aren’t as accessible as other cottage types, which can lead to higher insurance costs.

Other costs you should consider include property taxes, garbage disposal, and utilities. To find a cottage that suits your budget and finances perfectly, talk to a professional. Lakemuskokarealtor.com is a great place to start.

Access

Owning a cottage in a remote, peaceful location is quite nice. However, with relative seclusion comes the issue of accessibility.

If you buy a cottage that’s only accessible by water, you should consider buying a boat, too. This property can serve as a nice summer home. Meanwhile, other cottages may be accessible by car but not during the winter season since backcountry roads aren’t well-maintained during such a season.

Moreover, check the distance of the cottage from amenities. If the property sits in a rural part of the country, your drive to the grocery store, gas station, or pharmacy could be an issue.

Local Amenities

Besides their distance from your cottage, the type of amenities available is also a crucial factor to consider. If you’re going to spend a lot of time on your property, you need to know whether or not grocery stores, restaurants, hospitals, and fire halls are available.

Research the neighborhood and familiarize yourself with the location. Know where you find what you need for convenience and for safety purposes.

Water System

Most of the time, cottage water comes from the lake or a well. Ask if the water is drinkable. For good measure, hire a water specialist to test the tap water. You should then incorporate this expense into your maintenance budget.

The potential for water contamination and other such issues is greater in rural areas. In some cases, you’ll have to buy and bring your own drinkable water when staying in a cottage.

Environment

Not all cottages are built the same, and this is true even for their environments. Consider the type of landscape you want. It may be a lakefront, a beachfront, or wilderness. As hinted above, consider all seasons when buying the property — if you’re buying in the summer, consider how the property looks like in the winter, and vice versa.

Moreover, consider the needs of your family members and the people you’re going to live with in the cottage. This is particularly important for family members with disability or special conditions. For instance, a family member with limited mobility may find it difficult to deal with a cottage with too many stairs. It may also be tough for them to walk the distance from where you park the car to the actual cottage.

Local Laws and Restrictions

You may be planning to upgrade your cottage by building docks, workshops, or other structures to better fit your needs. Before you do that, check the local bylaws, building restrictions, Crown Patents, and potential waterfront issues.

For instance, having direct waterfront access from your property doesn’t guarantee exclusive rights to the shoreline. Consult with a real estate professional to navigate these rules and understand your rights as a cottage owner.

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