Kawarthas cottage price trends

For Carl Edwards, associate broker at Bowes and Cocks Ltd. in Lakefield, February was his second-best sales month for recreational properties in his 34 years in real estate.

"Sales are up 10 per cent, especially in properties priced under $250,000," he says. "It's a vibrant market and the demand is generated by the interest in properties that are already year-round or have the potential for winterization. I've never had so many questions about heat lines and insulation."

Given the region's proximity to the Greater Toronto Area, prices there have been pushed upward. Mr. Edwards says buyers will find few properties listed under $150,000. Most entry-level cottages start at $200,000.

Price summary

Low: $200,000 to $250,000 -- for a seasonal cottage on one of the smaller land-locked lakes in the region, such as Greens Lake, Oak Lake or Kasshabog Lake.

Mid: $250,000 to $500,000 -- for a year-round cottage on one of the smaller lakes or a smaller cottage on one of the larger lakes. Cottages on Papineau Lake are going for $329,000.

High: $500,000 to $1-million -- for a comfortable year-round recreational home on one of the larger lakes in the Kawarthas; $1-million plus -- for a large year-round home with plenty of privacy and frontage.