5 Things to Consider When Deciding to Buy a Waterfront Home in Haliburton
Are you considering buying a waterfront property? This is an exciting time for you and your family. After all, who doesn't love a beautiful sunset laid out across a still lake, swimming all summer, and ice fishing in the winter? Haliburton Highlands is known for its beauty and over 600 lakes. Situated on the highest point of the Canadian Shield, with ten percent of the county located within Algonquin Park.
The Haliburton Gold Group team knows waterfront properties. In this article we will discuss 5 things you should consider when deciding whether a waterfront property is right for you. Location is not only everything when it comes to real estate, but it becomes even more important when you narrow your search down to waterfront property. Keep these things in mind and you will be sure to find the perfect piece of land for you and your family.
1.[Road access] Accessing your property year round
When buying a waterfront cottage or home, you should consider how you will access the property. Waterfront homes in Haliburton can be off a main road or close to a highway, however many are more remote. Ensure you are comfortable with the type of access. Generally there are three road access situations in Haliburton County;
- Municipal year-round roads are ploughed and maintained throughout the winter by the local government, paid for by property taxes. These roads are easy to access and aren’t much different than the roads you would drive or walk in suburbs. The difference will be that you are surrounded by additional trees, less pavement and more wildlife!
- Private year-round roads are ploughed and maintained by the individuals or groups who use them. In many situations, their will be a team of people, society or community that will get together and pool funds to create a process around plowing, tree removal and road upkeep.
- Seasonal roads are usually passable in the late spring, summer and fall only. These roads are not kept up in the winter.
Make sure you understand the access of your waterfront home, Haliburton Gold Group is experienced with these discussions and can help you answer any questions about road access.
2.The size of the lake you choose matters!
When buying a waterfront home or cottage you may need to consider the size of the lake. Smaller lakes may have restrictions about boating, water skiing, tubing, and jet skis.
- On some smaller lakes, you find canoes, kayaks, and row boats only.
- If you enjoy your speed boat a small lake might not meet your needs.
- If you choose a large lake, there will be fast boats, water skiing and tubing.
- If you prefer canoes and kayaks, opting for a small lake may best suit your needs.
- The amount you have to spend, for the equivalent cottage and lot, varies depending on the lake size and quality.
3. Find a real estate agent who’s a true waterfront specialist.
Navigating the waters of waterfront property can be tricky for even experienced real estate agents. At Haliburton Gold Group, you can be rest assured that we can direct you to surveys, elevation certifications, water quality tests, wetlands delineations, and other land and water-based inspections to ensure that your waterfront property is in good condition.
When buying a waterfront property, it is imperative to consider the additional expense of flood insurance. Carefully evaluate your options before making any decisions and don't hesitate to consult with an expert if you feel uncertain - real estate agents are great resources for information about available coverage plans that can safeguard against potential flooding risks.
Check out why so many cottagers and waterfront home buyers work with us!
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4. Elevation and land topography [when building].
Consider the land you choose and its topography. When purchasing a property, you must carefully study the topography and have a site plan. The question is not always, "Where do you want to build the house?" but instead, "where can you build the house?"
The traditional cottage property is known for a western exposure and rocky shoreline, with the cottage situated up a rocky incline overlooking a beautiful lake and sunset.
There are benefits and drawbacks to owning this type of property. The most apparent difficulty is climbing many steep steps uphill from the lake, which can be difficult and dangerous for the very young and old. Alternatively, you may prefer a sandy shoreline and a flat lot with a great lawn to play bocce ball and badminton. Guess what the drawback to this lot is! Yup, you have to mow the great lawn. Not to worry though, we have plenty of landscaping contractors to look after that for you.
When you plan to develop a waterfront property, local bylaws and restrictions dictate what you can and cannot do. For example, rarely are boathouses permitted these days. Before investing in a waterfront property, you want to know the existing bylaws and regulations.
Learn more about Haliburton Shoreline Preservation;
https://www.haliburtoncounty.ca/en/living-here/shoreline-preservation.aspx
5. Utilities for waterfront homes and cottages
Exploring the cost of waterfront living may lead to some unexpected expenses. Indeed, not all properties come with water and power already connected – meaning that wells or septic systems could be required for access to these essential amenities. Bringing services into remote areas can be expensive, so investigate and discuss with your realtor.
Landowners often prepare lots to be sold by clearing away heavy bush, putting the driveway in and bringing hydro to the lot line. Of course you will pay a premium for a prepared lot, but it is well worth the cost being shared by all lots. You will only be responsible for the cost to bring hydro from the lot line to the cottage or home being built.
We are fortunate in the Haliburton Highlands to have excellent internet and cell service available to most locations with several options of service providers including:
- Bell
- Xplornet
- Cottage Country Internet
- Starlink
- Viasat
Buying a lot and building or an existing cottage is a different experience to buying in the city. There are many considerations that need to be understood such as access, lake types...etc. The Haliburton Gold Group is experienced and can help you at each step of the way!
BONUS CONTENT!
Additional factors that affect value of a waterfront home
For waterfront homes, the body of water your property is adjacent to or located on, and the amount of water frontage are important factors, in addition to:
- seasonal or water access
- shoreline type (e.g. rocky, sandy, marshland)
- topography
- island versus mainland property
- water source
- heating type
- predominant exposure (e.g. facing north)
- fireplaces
- hydro services
- sanitary services (e.g. septic bed)
- secondary structures (e.g. boathouses, decks, cabins)
We also look at land title documents and building permits, and often conduct on-site property inspections to ensure we have the most up-to-date and accurate information about your property.
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