Recreational properties are increasingly being viewed by Canadians as both a long-term financial asset and a more accessible route into the housing market, according to a survey commissioned by RE/MAX Canada.
The survey, conducted by Leger, found that 45 per cent of prospective buyers plan to purchase a recreational property as an entry point into the broader housing market, while 60 per cent of current recreational property owners said their property is part of their long-term wealth strategy.
The findings come as affordability pressures in major urban housing markets continue to affect buyers, particularly younger Canadians. The survey found that 54 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 34 said recreational properties play at least some role in their long-term financial planning, compared with 30 per cent of Canadians aged 35 and older.
“What we’re seeing is a more thoughtful, strategic buyer emerge in the recreational market,” said Don Kottick, president of RE/MAX Canada. “Recreational properties are no longer viewed solely as discretionary purchases, but instead as a foothold into homeownership with long-term value potential.”
Don Kottick
RE/MAX Canada said market conditions are also contributing to interest in the sector. The company analyzed 21 recreational markets across the country and said more than half are expected to remain buyer’s markets in 2026, while roughly one-third are expected to be balanced markets. It also projected the national average recreational property price will rise 1.5 per cent through the remainder of the year.
“After years of dramatic swings, Canada’s housing market is finding its footing, and that stability is extending into the recreational segment,” Kottick said. “Prices are stabilizing, inventory is improving, and days on market are returning to more normal levels. Buyers have more choice and time, while sellers are seeing steady demand for well–priced homes.”
The report pointed to regional differences in demand patterns. According to broker-submitted data cited by RE/MAX Canada, some Alberta markets, including Canmore, are seeing investment activity tied to short-term rental opportunities. In Ontario cottage country markets such as Kawartha Lakes, buyers are more focused on long-term ownership and passing properties to future generations.
The company also said more affordable recreational markets in Atlantic Canada and Northern Ontario are attracting buyers looking for lower-cost entry points into homeownership.
At the same time, workplace policies are affecting buying and selling decisions in some urban markets. The survey found that 28 per cent of current recreational property owners are considering selling because of return-to-office mandates, while 14 per cent of Canadians who do not currently own a recreational property said those policies are causing them to delay purchasing one.
The survey also found changing buyer preferences in the recreational property market.
Sixty-one per cent of Canadians said they would prefer to buy a recently renovated recreational property, while 59 per cent said they would want to use the property year-round rather than seasonally.
“It’s no longer just about having a place to escape,” said Kottick. “Buyers want properties that are ready from day one and flexible enough to support everything from weekend use to full-time living.”
Connor Scott McManus photo
Rising ownership costs remain a concern for some Canadians. Two in five respondents said maintenance expenses would not be manageable if they inherited a recreational property.
According to broker feedback included in the report, higher maintenance costs are contributing to more owners considering selling their properties. Brokers also reported increased demand from buyers seeking information about infrastructure such as septic systems and docks, as well as environmental risks including flooding, fire and erosion.
RE/MAX Canada said recreational properties are also becoming part of broader intergenerational wealth planning strategies.
Broker-submitted surveys cited by the company suggested many buyers intend to pass recreational properties to family members, particularly in Ontario markets such as Peterborough and the Kawarthas, as well as in Sylvan Lake, Alta.
“We’re seeing recreational properties play an increasingly important role in how Canadians think about legacy and wealth transfer,” said Kottick. “For many, it’s about building equity in a different segment of the market while creating something tangible that can be held, leveraged, and passed down across generations.”
The Leger survey was conducted online between March 20 and March 22, 2026, and included 1,660 Canadians aged 18 and older. The company said a probability sample of that size would carry a margin of error of plus or minus 2.4 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024, 2025 and 2026.
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