Waterfront Cottages for Sale: Everything You Need to Know Before Investing
Do you dream of owning a waterfront cottage for sale in the Eastern Townships, the Laurentians, or Lanaudière? A relaxing place where you can escape and spend quality time with your family? Did you know that cottages are profitable investments besides being a peaceful setting?
With this guide, discover the most popular regions, the most sought-after types of cottages, things to consider before buying, and price forecasts for 2025.
The advantages of buying a cabin for sale
A peaceful and intimate environment
An investment with potential
Profitable real estate assets
Regions where cottages for sale are most popular
Quebec has several regions where cottages for sale are very popular. Each region offers a unique experience and a variety of landscapes.
Estrie and the Eastern Townships
The Laurentians: A winter sports paradise.
It is, therefore, ideal for ski enthusiasts and active families. The median price of waterfront cottages for sale has been stable since 2023 at $499,000, and the cost of recreational condos for sale is declining, with a median price of $368,000 (-13.4%).
Lanaudière is ideal for lovers of unspoiled nature.
When choosing a region to purchase a cottage, you must consider the distance from your primary residence, accessibility, and the activities you enjoy.
The most sought-after types of cottages for sale.
Waterfront cottages for sale
The median price of a waterfront cottage for sale in Quebec is $521,700.
We like Water sports and have strong rental potential.
We monitor flood zones and environmental regulations
Four-season cottages for sale
Log Cabins for Sale
Tiny cabins for sale in the Eastern Townships but are located on the waterfront.
In addition, a small cabin requires less maintenance.
2025 Price Forecasts and Trends for Cottages for Sale in Quebec
According to Royal LePage in a national press release on March 2025:
“The real estate market in Quebec’s recreational regions saw a solid recovery in 2024, and the first few months of 2025 show demand is continuing to rise,”
– Dominic St-Pierre, senior vice-president of business development, Royal LePage.
“Inventory is limited, new construction for recreational homes is quite rare, interest rates continue to decline, and experienced buyers have the ability, thanks to their robust equity, to aspire to purchase more expensive properties.”
He added:
“Faced with the Trump administration’s controversial decisions, it is likely that some Quebec snowbirds will abandon their second homes in sunny American states and turn to our local recreational markets instead. This could increase competition and further stimulate demand for this property type in Quebec.”
Price by type of recreational property
| Region | Single‐family 2023 $ | Single‐family 2024 $ | Change % (2024/2023) | Waterfront single‐family 2023 $ | Waterfront single‐family 2024 $ | Change % (2024/2023) | Condo 2023 $ | Condo 2024 $ | Change % (2024/2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Québec | 395 300 $ | 425 300 $ | 7,6 % | 490 200 $ | 521 700 $ | 6,4 % | 333 300 $ | 345 700 $ | 3,7 % |
| MRC d’Antoine-Labelle | 300 000 $ | 310 000 $ | 3,3 % | 369 500 $ | 377 000 $ | 2,0 % | – | – | – |
| MRC d’Argenteuil | 341 500 $ | 365 000 $ | 6,9 % | 467 000 $ | 490 000 $ | 4,9 % | – | – | – |
| MRC d’Avignon | 183 800 $ | 207 000 $ | 12,6 % | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| MRC de Bonaventure | 213 800 $ | 216 500 $ | 1,3 % | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Bromont | 675 000 $ | 732 500 $ | 8,5 % | – | – | – | 555 000 $ | 495 000 $ | -10,8 % |
| MRC de Charlevoix | 380 000 $ | 350 000 $ | -7,9 % | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais | 527 500 $ | 549 900 $ | 4,2 % | 505 400 $ | 470 000 $ | -7,0 % | – | – | – |
| MRC de la Côte-de-Gaspé | 239 000 $ | 206 800 $ | -13,5 % | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| MRC de la Côte-de-Beaupré | 315 000 $ | 365 000 $ | 15,9 % | – | – | – | 195 000 $ | 220 000 $ | 12,8 % |
| MRC de la Jacques-Cartier | 399 000 $ | 433 600 $ | 8,7 % | 430 000 $ | 510 000 $ | 18,6 % | 225 500 $ | 317 400 $ | 40,8 % |
| MRC Les Appalaches | 180 000 $ | 210 000 $ | 16,7 % | 425 000 $ | 498 000 $ | 17,2 % | – | – | – |
| MRC Les Laurentides | 425 000 $ | 425 000 $ | 0,0 % | 500 000 $ | 499 900 $ | 0,0 % | 425 000 $ | 368 000 $ | -13,4 % |
| MRC Les Pays-d’en-Haut | 500 000 $ | 525 000 $ | 5,0 % | 587 000 $ | 637 500 $ | 8,6 % | 336 800 $ | 370 000 $ | 9,9 % |
| MRC de Matawinie | 320 000 $ | 360 000 $ | 12,5 % | 403 000 $ | 457 500 $ | 13,5 % | – | – | – |
| MRC de Memphrémagog | 510 000 $ | 579 500 $ | 13,6 % | 849 000 $ | 870 000 $ | 2,5 % | 320 800 $ | 337 000 $ | 5,0 % |
| MRC de Montcalm | 365 000 $ | 395 000 $ | 8,2 % | 319 000 $ | 378 800 $ | 18,7 % | – | – | – |
| MRC Papineau | 287 300 $ | 336 300 $ | 17,1 % | 401 500 $ | 399 900 $ | -0,4 % | – | – | – |
Median Prices by Type of Recreational Property in Quebec
| Property Type | 2023 | 2024 | Growth | Forecast 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single‐family chalet | 395 300 $ | 425 300 $ | +7,6 % | 457 198 $ |
| Waterfront chalet | 490 200 $ | 521 700 $ | +6,4 % | Increasing |
| Recreational condo | 333 300 $ | 345 700 $ | +3,7 % | Stable |
Source: Royal LePage 2025 report on recreational properties
Top Performing Regions for a Waterfront Cottage for Sale in Quebec in 2024
| Region | Growth | Value |
|---|---|---|
| MRC de la Jacques-Cartier | +18,6 % | 510 000 $ |
| MRC les Appalaches | +17,2 % | 498 000 $ |
| MRC de Matawinie | +13,5 % | 457 500 $ |
| MRC de Montcalm | +18,7 % | 378 800 $ |
What should you check before buying a cottage?
1. Zoning and Municipal By-laws
Is the chalet located in a flood zone?
In Quebec, more and more waterfront chalets for sale are found to be in flood zones. It’s essential to check the flood zone maps and request an up-to-date location certificate.
Is there a shoreline buffer zone or any environmental restrictions?
Similarly, it’s important to know whether there’s a protected shoreline buffer zone, especially if you plan to expand the chalet after purchase.
Does the chalet have acquired rights?
If the chalet for sale has acquired rights, it’s important to understand what that means and what the consequences are.
Are there any rights of way (easements)?
Also, many chalets will have rights of way; you need to understand, if that’s the case, what your obligations will be.
Can it be rented short term?
If you’re buying a chalet on the water or near a ski resort with the intention of renting it out, it’s important to check zoning laws and make sure the city allows short-term rentals. More and more municipalities in Quebec are banning short-term rentals or limiting them through certain restrictions.
As a real estate broker, these are the checks I do for my clients.
2. Check Accessibility and Infrastructure
When viewing a cottage for sale, it’s essential to thoroughly check its accessibility in all seasons and the town’s infrastructure and services. This thorough preparation will give you confidence in your decision, especially if you plan to live there later in retirement.
This is especially important if you plan to live there later in retirement.
Besides water, electricity, and internet, is the road plowed? Does the town provide garbage collection?
3. Required Maintenance
Like any homeowner, when the time comes to buy a cottage, you should consider its maintenance. This will help you determine the size and type of cottage you want to purchase.
Financing the purchase of a waterfront cottage for sale
Financing a cottage: what's changing
Financing the purchase of a waterfront cottage for sale differs from funding a single-family home. This is because:
- First, it’s a second home, and banks will also determine whether it’s a rental cottage for investment purposes or if you’re buying it to enjoy it personally with your family and friends.
- Therefore, expect the bank to require a larger down payment, around 20%.
- Another vital fact I’m seeing more and more often as a real estate broker: insurance companies refuse to ensure a waterfront cottage even if there hasn’t been any flooding in recent years, simply because the house, according to Quebec’s mapping, is in a flood zone.
- The resulting problem is that no financing is granted without home insurance!
As a real estate broker, I therefore advise my clients :
- Obtain pre-approval for financing a cottage.
- When I represent my client in an offer to purchase a waterfront cottage for sale, I draft the promise to purchase conditional on purchasing home insurance.
Annual Costs to Expect
- Municipal taxes: 1.5% to 3% of the value.
- Home insurance: $1,000 to $3,000.
- Maintenance: 2% to 4% of the cottage’s value.
- Utilities: Electricity, internet, telephone.
- Rental management: 15% to 25% of income (if applicable).
Tax Considerations
- When reselling a second home, the capital gain will be taxed.
- If you purchase a rental cottage, certain deductions are available.
- The cottage could become your primary residence, such as upon retirement.
My advice for buying a cottage for sale in Quebec
For first-time buyers
-
Define your needs: Are you buying a cottage for:
- personal use or for rental?
- would a four- or three-season cottage at a reduced-price suit you?
- a cottage by the water or near the mountains?
- the minimum number of bedrooms?
- Evaluate accessibility for you.
- Calculate the total cost of purchasing a cottage for sale.
- Plan a renovation budget of 10% to 15%.
For investors
- Analyze the region’s rental potential based on the activities offered and tourist attractions.
- Check municipal regulations on short-term rentals.
- Factor in remote management fees (maintenance, cleaning services, etc.).
Mistakes to avoid when buying a cottage in Quebec
- Buying without a solid financing plan.
- Ignoring zoning restrictions.
- Not having an up-to-date certificate of location.
- Neglecting an inspection.
- Not checking insurability.
- Underestimating maintenance costs.
As a real estate broker, here's how I can help you:
As a real estate broker, I support my clients every step of the way:
- I conduct a targeted search based on your criteria to help you find the cottage of your dreams.
- I perform all regulatory and legal checks for you.
- I evaluate the cottage for sale and negotiate on your behalf.
- I coordinate all aspects of the transaction with various professionals to simplify the process for you (inspector, notary, lender).
- I support you until the signing of the deed of sale.
Let’s talk about your waterfront house or chalet
Whether you’re looking for a chalet for sale on the water or a single-family home in a peaceful location, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll find the ideal property based on your criteria.
Take action safely!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of a chalet in Quebec?
The median price of a chalet for sale in Quebec in 2024 was $425,300. For 2025, Royal LePage predicts a 7.5% increase, bringing the median to $457,198.
Is a chalet a good investment?
A rental chalet for sale can be a very good investment. You can earn money during the high season. The chalet’s value also rises year after year.
Is buying a chalet taxable?
No. Buying a resale chalet in Quebec is not taxable, just like a residential property. However, if the chalet is a new construction, it will be taxable.