It is mainly Canadians living in urban areas that are driving up prices in the cottage industry, including knowledge workers, seniors, and young families with children. Amidst the pandemic, cottage prices increased by 11.5 percent in 2020, and this trend is expected to continue in 2021. More and more people are choosing to relocate to small towns and rural areas and are buying all sorts of properties, including cabins, chalets, and farmhouses. For many of them, the most important thing is to have a stable internet connection as many are working remotely.

What Figures Tell

While home sales skyrocketed by over 31 percent in November 2020, cottage properties gained in value because of increased demand. Ontario is leading when it comes to price gains, with an increase of close to 30 percent in some places and hikes of 15 percent in Moncton, Montreal, and Ottawa. The recreational property industry is booming in Ontario, with home prices skyrocketing in North Muskoka (17 percent), Haliburton Highlands (28 percent), Gravenhurst (44 percent), and Rideau Lake (25 percent). The prices of recreational homes in Quebec also saw significant gains, with increases by 36 percent in Sutton and 27 percent in the Laurentides. According to senior economist Robert Kavcic working for BMO Capital Markets, the trend is expected to continue in 2021.

Inventory levels have hit record low levels due to increased demand, with buyers from Quebec and Ontario relocating to the countryside. A recent report by Royal LePage confirms this, pointing to the fact that real estate agents in more than half of the regions (54 percent) report increased demand for cottage properties. The report also shows that more retirees are choosing to relocate, with 68 percent of regions seeing a significant increase compared to 2020. Because of the surge in demand, the prices of waterfront properties are up by 13.5 percent to about $498,000, the average price of recreational homes standing at $453,000

In British Columbia, the biggest gains are in Kimberley/Cranbrook (over 27 percent) and Whistler (18.3 percent). Condo prices have also increased by 15.5 percent.

Why Are Prices Going Up

As many businesses, restaurants, hotels, and recreational venues remain closed or are operating at reduced capacity, people don’t really need to be in cities and in a walkable area. It is also true that people are willing to invest more in real estate because they are spending more time at home due to social distancing measures, restrictions set in place across Canada, and lockdowns. As experts note, there are currently two categories of buyers – the first is the worried buyer who believes that the pandemic is never going to end. The second group comprises all those who can do their job from anywhere and have already been working remotely for quite some time. There are other reasons for the recent price hikes, but the main one is that many people are rethinking and re-evaluating their lifestyle, as Vancouver realtor Faith Wilson notes. From shifting to digital and shopping online to changing family and travel plans and health and safety concerns, consumer behaviour is changing which has a significant impact on the real estate market. More people are buying waterfront and ski-hill properties but many are also opting for conventional homes in the countryside. As Royal LePage owner in East Kootenay Philip Jones notes, what they are looking for is raw land.

The ongoing pandemic is certainly driving the exodus to the countryside, with an increasing number of families reappraising urban living. The global health crisis turned the lives of many upside down, from working and schooling to shopping and travelling. Cities where many were born and spent their whole lives now feel like claustrophobic and dangerous places because of repeated lockdowns and tightening and easing of measures. This results in a growing uncertainty as to when and if this will ever going to end. For many, buying a cottage property is like having a place to walk around and breathe, somewhere you don’t stay locked day in and day out. People need more space as their homes have become so central to their lives, with many working, looking after children, exercising, and shopping from home. Cities have long attracted people for the fact that there is plenty to do and crowds of young people socializing. Closures and social distancing simply put socializing on hold. Other factors why people consider relocating to the countryside include distance from family and friends in their community, overcrowding in cities, and lack of gardens.

For others, living and working alongside people who are not following Covid-19 guidelines and social distancing rules is also a factor. There are people moving to the place they grew up to be close to family members and friends. High property prices in metropolitan areas are also forcing many out.

With lockdowns due to recurring outbreaks and waves, more and more people need to be closer to nature. The main reasons impacting purchasing decisions are wanting to have access to a garage or a parking space, to live closer to green spaces, have a pet-friendly home, live in a bigger home, and have a garden. The experience of lockdown in a thirty-story, 2-bedroom condo has made the decision to relocate much easier, especially for those who don’t even have a balcony. Young families with small children are also moving to the countryside to spend lockdowns in more specious properties and to avoid antisocial behaviour due to pandemic fatigue. This is also an option that many families with vulnerable members consider, including those with chronic conditions. Walking along empty streets in cities that look completely deserted feels depressing for many and is forcing them to escape to the countryside. People have all sorts of reasons to relocate, and many have already done that, driving up prices in the cottage country.

Many bad credit loan providers in Ontario, Canada offer financing to individuals with tarnished credit. They offer payday loans, home equity lines of credit, and other types of financing.

Bad Credit Lenders in Toronto and the GTA

Tribecca is a private provider that offers loans to help repair and establish credit, pay medical and unexpected expenses, and consolidate bills. Prudent Financial offers home, consumer, and car loans to customers with tarnished credit. If you are trying to find bad credit loans in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton and the rest of the GTA, Addison Credit offers financing to debtors with poor credit, newcomers to Canada, and borrowers with a history of repossessions, bankruptcies, and other negative events. If you live in Mississauga or Brampton, Dixie Auto Loans, Easy Financial, and Home Trust also provide loans for people with bad credit. To get approved, customers fill in employment and personal information such as months at employer, gross annual income, and position. Borrowers who filed for bankruptcy or are in undischarged or discharged consumer proposal often qualify.

Where to Find Bad Credit Loans in Ottawa

Customers looking to apply for a car loan in Ottawa can do so at Drive Time Ottawa, Easy Financial, and BHM Financial Group. Lenders take into account factors such as term of residency, length of employment, stable income, and income level. To apply, customers present information such as proof of vehicle ownership, proof of residency and income, and ID. References increase your chances of getting approved.

Lenders in Hamilton for Individuals with Poor Credit

Fitzgerald Motors, Prudent Value Cars, and Ezee Credit offer financing to customers. To apply, clients provide information about their income, occupation, marital status, housing cost, and address. Residents who are employed full-time usually get approved. Customers with a history of credit counseling, consumer proposals, and bankruptcies usually qualify.

Unsecured Loan Lenders in London, Windsor and South Western Ontario

Issuers such as Ezee Credit and Prime Motors of London provide loans to customers who are new divorcees, borrowers poor or no credit exposure, and bankruptcies. To apply, customers provide information such as occupation, main source of income, income before tax, SIN, and others. Companies such as DollarsDirect and Strickland’s offer loans to individuals with less than perfect credit in Windsor. Applicants with missed card payments, multiple collections, no credit, closed accounts, and missed payments are not turned down at DollarsDirect.

Who Offers Bad Credit Loans

Try Banks

Banks offer loans to customers with poor credit history but they usually qualify for secured financing such as home equity lines of credit and home equity loans. Canadian lenders offer rate quotes based on information such as the amount required, credit score, and loan purpose, for example, medical expenses, relocation and moving, car financing, home purchase, home improvement, or credit card refinancing. When applying for loans, customers provide information such as additional and individual income, date of birth, and address. Individuals with stable employment have a better chance of getting approved. Those who offer collateral are more likely to get a loan with bad credit.

Credit Unions

Credit Unions help people with bad credit and offer low-cost financing to their members. The best options are community-based and employer-affiliated unions that operate as community banks and are owned by their members. They are willing to discuss their customers’ personal and financial situation. Credit unions look at customers more personally and are more willing to work with them. They make a decision on whether to lend or not based on the borrowers’ promise to repay and their individual circumstances.

Go Online to Search for Bad Credit Lenders

Another option is to check places like the yellow pages and kijiji. Online bad credit lenders list their ads and advertise loans for bad and no credit. You will find cash advance and payday loan listings, credit and debt counseling services, and other loan providers. There is an option to sort by location and category to find providers that offer bad credit auto loans, consumer loans, and other financing options.

Use Debt Consolidation Lenders and Services

Debt consolidation is another option for individuals who are looking for financing. Lenders and services offer consolidation loans to borrowers with multiple revolving and installment debts but the rate can be higher if you have tarnished credit. There are many benefits to debt consolidation, and issuers advertise no hidden fees, no prepayment penalties, flexible payment schedules, and competitive rates. Other benefits include easier budgeting, no collection calls, and credit score improvement if payments are made on a regular basis. The loan amount varies but some providers offer up to $35,000. Issuers usually offer several consolidation options with different rates, fees, and payment terms. Some issuers offer terms of 1 to 5 years so that customers get rid of debt faster and save on interest. Lenders offer the option to consolidate loans, overdrafts, credit card accounts, and other balances. While debt consolidation companies offer loans to individuals with tarnished credit, they usually require proof of income such as pension or salary.

Try Payday Loan Lenders

Payday lenders are considered a last resort because they provide loans with short terms and extremely high rates. At the same time, this is often the only choice for people who are short of cash and face an emergency. Payday lenders offer other benefits such as quick approval, easy application, and less stringent requirements compared to brick-and-mortar banks. Just avoid controversial providers that charge broker fees. There are con artists that use fraudulent websites and request details such as credit card numbers and identification. They make unauthorized withdrawals, and customers find their account emptied. Other than that, there are reputable payday lenders that offer emergency cash. The money can be used to pay bills, utility bills, groceries, credit card balances, fees and charges, and other expenses.

Other Providers

Loan brokers and providers such as MoneyMart, Lending Tree, Prosper, Lending Club, and Citifinancial also offer bad credit personal loans in Canada. Customers with consumer proposals, history of poor credit, and loans in arrears qualify.

What Is Driving up the Prices in Cottage Country?