10 Things You Should Know Before Buying A Waterfront Property

 

Owning a waterfront home or cottage is a dream for many.  But the restrictions and rules can be a real headache.  Here are 10 things you should know before buying a waterfront property.

1. Utilities - Access to utilities can be limited for waterfront property owners.  If the property is not in the city, the likelihood of it having natural gas is very low. This means using propane, oil, electricity, or wood for heating; the first 3 are pretty expensive and the 4th can be a lot of work. If you're in a more secluded location, the delivery charge on your hydro bill can also be very high. 

For water, you're generally using a well or pulling from the lake/river, and most waterfront homes and cottages have septic systems. Internet and cell service can also be a problem. 

2. Septic and Well - Most waterfront properties will have a septic system and a well. Both require maintenance; septic tanks need to be pumped and water systems need to be tested. Depending on the property, township, and conservation authority, you may be restricted in the type of septic system you can install. There are many types of wells that are used on waterfront properties; sandpoint, drilled, dug, and even pulling water directly from the lake/river. 

3. Easements - It's not uncommon for waterfront properties to have easements or right-of-ways running through them. The neighbours' only access might be across your property or there could be a fire lane going to the water. The location of overhead hydro lines could also be problematic if you want to build a garage or an addition.  

You can also run into situations where a neighbouring home or cottage might encroach on your property line.  Driveways are another common encroachment. There may not be much that can be done as these may have been going on for generations and can be traced back to the original landowners.  

4. Shoreline - What can be done on your shoreline is likely going to be very regulated. Conservation authorities are going to play a huge role in determining what is allowed. Retaining walls, boat houses, adding sand/soil, and weed management might all need approval.  

5. Ownership - Although there might not be anything between you and the water, you might not own all the way to it.  There are many lakes and rivers that have fire access lanes along the shoreline. Or the shoreline could be owned by a hydro generation company.  

6. Insurance - Insuring your waterfront home might be expensive.  Some waterfront areas might be considered high risk. There are often flood waivers in policies.  

7. Old Structures - A lot of waterfront properties started out many years ago with just a small cottage on them. The original cottage may have been built by family members without permits. Over the years, additions get added on, a porch converted into bedrooms, and you end up with something that might not be what you expected.

8. Conservation Authorities - The type of septic system you can use, any shoreline improvements, or even building locations will likely be directly impacted by the local conservation authority.  

9. Building Permits - Permits can be more difficult to obtain for waterfront properties.  There might be environmentally protected land, easements, and local government regulations.  

10.  The Water - If you're buying a place on the water, you might as well use it. Are there any restrictions on boat motor size? How is the fishing? Is the waterfront weedy? If you're on a popular stretch of water there might be a lot of traffic.   

Chris Smith, Broker