Home Home on the Range….
Last week we talked about how the pandemic has affected buyers wants and needs and how those needs have changed over the past 18 months. While some purchasers are looking for smaller homes in the city others are looking to expand their space for hobbies and entertaining.
Today I’ll touch on some unique challenges when buying a property in the country and what you can expect from that experience.
In the past in Oxford County, people have owned rural property for a few simple reasons including agricultural, recreational and a small amount of people looking for the privacy and quite a country property provides. Since Covid people have been not only moving from larger cities to small towns and cities, but some of those small-town dwellers have also opted to move to a rural property.
Larger more open spaces and less restriction around the development of your land are some prime reasons to make this move. However, country living may not be for everyone.
For example, a couple from Guelph whose lifelong dream was to have a hobby farm in the country discovered that the new property meant a lot more work and includes cutting grass, landscaping, feeding animals and the constant mess of dirt during the summer season and the challenge of living on a country road in the winter time was a big adjustment for them. Chris describes what he thought would be a laid-back lifestyle as being more work than he could have ever imagined. He was able to work from home mostly and only needed to commute into his job, in Toronto a few days each month. Those are the days he came to dread with a 2-3hour commute each way into his office he was pressed to do all the chores that come with a country property on those days. Similarly, his partner, Wendy found the increased workload of the house and her job were very difficult to maintain. Working together they found a schedule that worked for them, and the rewards far outweigh the inconvenience but offer this advice; “Know what you are getting yourself into. Your lifestyle must change when you move from the city to a country property. “
The other thing to note is that building on a country lot has a lot more hurdles to jump than building a new home in town. The township will require plans and must approve any building on that lot. You might envision a 4000sqft mansion on a hill looking west for the best sunset views….your township may have other ideas.
The most important thing about make that jump to a rural property it to do your homework and expect that you will have challenges. This is just another reason to choose a hard-working realtor with a knowledge of the area like myself! Living in the country can be a dream come true, but it isn’t for everyone. You can trust me to help you make a wise and savvy move.
Allen Skinner
Realtor
AB Realty
Remax
Asavvymove.ca
519-535-4030