REMAX Canada President Don Kottick says recreational properties are evolving from traditional vacation homes into strategic real estate investments as affordability challenges reshape Canada’s housing market.
In a recent discussion with Canada’s Entrepreneur, Kottick explained that buyers are increasingly viewing cottages and rural properties as entry points into homeownership and long-term wealth building.
According to Kottick, soaring housing costs in major urban centres such as Toronto and Vancouver are pushing Canadians to consider recreational markets more seriously. He noted that the shift gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote work and lifestyle changes encouraged many people to relocate outside dense city cores.
Improved internet connectivity and flexible work arrangements have also made it easier for Canadians to live and work from recreational properties year-round.
Kottick added that Canada’s ongoing generational wealth transfer is influencing the market, as many baby boomers decide whether to keep family cottages or pass them on to their children. While some regions remain highly competitive, he said much of the recreational property market currently favours buyers, with several areas transitioning toward balanced conditions.
Looking ahead, Kottick expects steady demand and modest price growth of roughly 1 to 1.5 percent as interest in recreational real estate continues to rise across Canada.
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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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