Seven Considerations for Moving to a Country Property
Making the transition to country life is exciting– a promise of serenity, nature, and a slower life pace. It is no secret that my clients all felt that way when we started to look at properties but were surprised by some of the differences between urban and rural life. I've outlined seven critical considerations for moving to a country property so that you can focus on enjoying the move rather than being shocked by the transition.
Environmental protections
The beauty of rural surroundings is more than just expansive views and gorgeous fields. Many regions in Ontario are protected to preserve environmentally significant or sensitive areas, safeguarding against developments that may threaten the natural area. If you're looking at a property that falls within an environmentally protected jurisdiction, any improvements or developments will need to pass a strict approval process beyond that of the planning and zoning by-law office, extending to local preservation organizations, such as the Niagara Escarpment Commission.
Not in an environmentally significant zone? Understand other parameters for further development or additions. For example, proximity to agriculture may require significant setbacks for additions such as a pool, while smaller towns and villages may limit the size of new construction or additions.
Short-term rental restrictions
Purchasing a country home may seem like a win-win: a place to stay when you like and a rental income throughout the rest of the year. However, check with local municipal restrictions on short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions prohibit short-term rentals less than 30 days, effectively limiting options to host guests via Airbnb or VRBO. If loss of a potential rental income will impact your ability to purchase, do your due diligence before committing to the property. There may be other options, such as season rentals or sharing the property with another family.
Internet connectivity
The country offers unparalleled serenity, but that may come with some technological limitations. Internet access isn't universal throughout country properties and certainly worth a bandwidth check when you tour the property. Work from home is possible, but be ready to work with the local internet provider to get online. New options include satellites, line of sight, or rural start-ups. When I moved to the country, the local option was Xplorenet--it was fine but my Zoom calls were glitchy. I have recently switched to RuralNet which has allowed me to access high-speed internet. It also sounds like Elon Musk’s Starlink is going to be a game changer in the area– things are changing, and for the better!
Age of the home
Love the look of an older house, or intrigued by charming farm homes? Check the registered age of the house on the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation's website. Some insurance companies limit coverage based on the house's age or require proof of updates to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Furthermore, if your house is a designated historic property, there may be limitations on the style and scope of allowed renovations or updates. This was a consideration when my clients, Ian and Alex, were looking at a century home. With a planned list of renovations, the couple was glad to hear there were no historical limitations on what they could update.
Sewage specifics
If you're transitioning from an urban setting, sewage may have never crossed your mind. For country living, it should be on your checklist. While a municipality will handle the specifics of homes on a town's sewer system, most rural locations may have independent septic systems. Don't be intimidated– this isn't a deal-breaker. Just know more about the care and considerations as you prepare an offer. This may include regular inspections, maintenance of the drain field, and household efficiencies to keep things running smoothly.
Rural maintenance
Know that the farther into the country you go, the municipal services may not follow accordingly. Private roads might not be maintained by the local town, leaving you to handle (or hire) services like snow removal. There are plenty of private contractors for hire in rural areas– just ask what is covered by the municipality as you tour the property. Consider all four seasons, as well as road degeneration, which may include re-paving (or re-gravelling), repairing pot-holes, or filling fissures caused by spring run-off.
Future plans
It is always worth checking what the municipality has planned for the spaces around your new property. Investigate development permits, ask neighbours about their plans, understand what is in the works for the surrounding area. This is what I did to secure expansive country views for my clients, Kavi and Andrew, who were grateful to learn there were no development plans under consideration. While there is no guarantee that things may not change over time, it is helpful to know what to expect before you make an offer. Development may impact your views, land use, or resale value– undoubtedly good to move forward with your eyes wide open.