Nearly one-third of Canadian recreational property owners are considering selling their sites, with return-to-office mandates and rising maintenance costs emerging as major factors behind the trend, according to a new survey commissioned by Remax Canada.

The survey by Leger found that 28% of current recreational-property owners say return-to-office policies are prompting them to consider selling, while many brokers reported that higher maintenance costs are also pushing owners to put properties on the market. In addition, 40% of Canadians said maintenance expenses would be unmanageable if they inherited a recreational property.

At the same time, recreational properties are increasingly being viewed by Canadians as a more accessible path into homeownership and a key part of long-term financial planning.

The survey found that 45% of prospective buyers see recreational properties as an entry point into the broader housing market, while 60% of current recreational property owners consider their property part of their long-term wealth strategy.

“What we’re seeing is a more thoughtful, strategic buyer emerge in the recreational market,” said Don Kottick, president of Remax Canada. “Recreational properties are no longer viewed solely as discretionary purchases, but instead as a foothold into homeownership with long-term value potential.”

The trend is especially pronounced among younger Canadians, with 54% of those aged 18 to 34 saying recreational properties play at least some role in their long-term financial plans, compared with 30% of Canadians aged 35 and older.

Remax Canada said more than half of the 21 recreational markets it analyzed nationwide are expected to remain buyer’s markets in 2026, while another one-third are forecast to be balanced markets. The national average recreational property price is projected to rise 1.5% through the rest of the year.

“After years of dramatic swings, Canada’s housing market is finding its footing, and that stability is extending into the recreational segment,” Kottick said. “Prices are stabilizing, inventory is improving, and days on market are returning to more normal levels. Buyers have more choice and time, while sellers are seeing steady demand for well-priced homes.”

Regional trends continue to influence demand, with investors in markets such as Canmore, Alta., focusing on short-term rental opportunities, while buyers in Ontario cottage-country markets including Kawartha Lakes are making long-term, legacy-focused purchases. In Atlantic Canada and Northern Ontario, more affordable recreational properties are increasingly being seen as lower-cost entry points into the housing market.

The survey also found that 14% of Canadians who do not own a recreational property said return-to-office expectations are making them hesitant to buy.

Buyer preferences are also evolving, with 61% of Canadians saying they would prefer a recently renovated recreational property and 59% wanting year-round use rather than seasonal occupancy.

“It’s no longer just about having a place to escape,” Kottick said. “Buyers want properties that are ready from day one and flexible enough to support everything from weekend use to full-time living.”

Brokers also reported growing buyer interest in infrastructure issues such as septic systems and docks, along with environmental risks including flooding, fire and erosion.

“We’re seeing recreational properties play an increasingly important role in how Canadians think about legacy and wealth transfer,” Kottick said. “For many, it’s about building equity in a different segment of the market while creating something tangible that can be held, leveraged, and passed down across generations.”

Leger surveyed 1,660 Canadians aged 18 and older online between March 20 and 22. The survey carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.4%, 19 times out of 20.