Buyers in Canada temporarily sidelined, amidst tariff concerns
Lower interest rates that motivated recreational property buyers in the latter part of 2024 and in early 2025 have been overshadowed by more-recent economic uncertainty, according to REMAX’s 2025 Canadian Cabin & Cottage Trends Report.
A Leger survey commissioned by REMAX reveals that approximately one in five Canadians who are considering purchasing a recreational property in 2025 say lower prices in 2024 stimulated their buying journey. With rising consumer confidence levels, lower interest rates and economic stability due to easing inflation prompting Canadians back into the broader real estate market, recreational activity was poised for an upswing. However, market conditions have since taken a hit, with 59 per cent of those whose housing options have been influenced by the recent tariffs saying they are less confident in the housing market than they were in 2024. With that said, the underlying desire is still there and may resurface, should a trade deal and/or tariff pullback materialise.
“We are optimistic that sales activity could pick up later in the season, however there’s a big ‘but’ looming.”
“Markets don’t like uncertainty, and we’re seeing that sentiment manifest in a quieter-than-normal spring market across recreational and traditional residential properties alike,” says Don Kottick, President, REMAX Canada. “We are optimistic that recreational activity could pick up later this season, but there’s a big ‘but’ looming. Buyers and sellers will need further clarity around Canada’s approach to tariffs now that the election is behind us, before we see a return to more-normal levels of activity.”
Unit sales are not expected to decline year-over-year in the majority of recreational markets analyzed, ranging from flat to +10 per cent, with limited inventory impacting activity. Meanwhile, REMAX brokers and agents are anticipating a national average price increase of 1.8 per cent across the Canadian recreational property market.
To read this informative and comprehensive Report by RE/MAX Canada, click here blog.remax.ca/cabin-and-cottage-trends
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