While buying a waterfront property is similar to buying a traditional home, there are extra factors to consider. As real estate agents in the Bay of Quinte region, we’ve seen our fair share of waterside properties and have a few tips to pass along. 

If you’re thinking about buying waterfront property in Ontario, here’s what you need to know. 

Planning on buying property in a rural area as part of your retirement plan? Read this first. 

Verify Property Lines

One of the more fickle elements of waterfront homeownership is property lines. It is often assumed that the shoreline along a piece of private property serves as its legal boundary. However, this isn’t always the case. In many instances, homeowners don’t actually own the land where the water meets the shore. It instead belongs to the crown. Property lines on waterfront homes vary by local jurisdiction, so it’s important to do your due diligence before making any assumptions. 

In Canada, the official borders of a waterfront property determine the owner’s riparian rights, i.e. the ability to use the water for irrigation, recreational use and other purposes. Therefore, it’s important you clearly understand the property owner’s rights and responsibilities before making an offer on a property. Your real estate agent can help you with this process. It may be as simple as checking the land title document or contacting the appropriate jurisdiction. 

Thinking about buying a new home? Check out these resources from our blog. 

• How Rising Interest Rates Are Impacting Real Estate in the Bay of Quinte
• Home Buying Calculator
• A Guide to Moving With Pets

Dock Rights

Waterfront properties are subject to strict regulations and bylaws when it comes to new developments or projects along the shoreline. If you want to build a dock or even upgrade the one already on the property, you’ll likely have to deal with some red tape. In some cases, you may not have the ability to build a dock at all. While Ontario recently reduced certain requirements for small shoreline developments, federal and municipal regulations still apply in many areas. If a dock is a must-have feature for you, you’ll want to verify a property’s development rights before you buy. 

Past Floodings

In Canada, flooding is one of the most common property-impacting natural disasters. Therefore, before you buy, you should verify whether or not a property has been flooded before. This includes the physical home itself and surrounding property. Although most sellers are transparent about a property’s flood history, it’s best to do some additional research as a precautionary measure. FloodSmart Canada has a comprehensive list of flood maps in all provinces and territories. Ontario also maintains a detailed flood map specific to the province itself, along with additional resources for emergency preparedness. 

As you may expect, flood insurance is a must-have for waterfront homeowners. Your property’s flood history and potential risk of flooding in the future will directly impact your insurance premiums. 

Water Quality 

One of the primary benefits of owning a waterfront home is having great activities like swimming, fishing or boating directly at your doorstep. Just like the rest of the property, you’ll want to verify the quality and condition of the water before you decide to buy. Even if you don’t plan on using the water for recreational purposes, neglecting to assess the water quality could cause issues down the line. Poor water quality, invasive plant species or high levels of pollution could limit the water’s usability, causing the property value to shrink over time. Poor water quality can also negatively impact the surrounding environment, leading to ecological issues or damages. 

Buying With an Agent

Like any home purchase, working with a real estate agent is the best place to start. Not only can a great agent help you find your dream home by the water, but their unique insights and industry expertise can ensure you see the complete picture of what waterfront ownership entails. Plus, they can help you navigate any legal considerations or red tape associated with the property. 

Ready to find the perfect waterfront home? As dedicated local agents, we can help. Contact us today.