Ah, Muskoka… haven of forests, shimmering lakes, granite emplacement and other natural wonders that have graced the canvases of famous Canadian artists such as Tom Thomson… popular cottage destination and playground for untold numbers of youngsters attending summer camps…

There simply is no need to sing the praises of this wonderland of almost 6,500 sq. km. and more than 1,600 lakes.

Oh wait, we just did.

Indeed, what’s there not to love about this blessed region about 220 kms north of Toronto, comprising the Towns of Huntsville, Bracebridge and Gravenhurst, and the Townships of Muskoka Lakes, Lake of Bays and Georgian Bay?

Perhaps you’ve spent some time here yourself, among the legions of renters who descend on the area every summer to enjoy short-term cottage rentals.

Or maybe you’ve been lucky enough to own a piece of this paradise.

While home to about 60,000 permanent residents, Muskoka swells in population in summer as an additional 100,000 seasonal property owners vacation in the region.

It’s also something of a playground for the rich and famous, with sports and entertainment celebrities owning expansive properties along the shores of the three major lakes – Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph.

If you’ve ever had any desire to buy property in this area, you’re certainly not alone. Whether it’s those looking to buy their own little slice of this Ontario vacation heaven, or those moving north from the city to enjoy a quieter, more relaxing life among nature… interest is on the rise. Much like property prices.

Property surge

The surge began last year. In what’s known as the Lakelands region, including Muskoka, Haliburton, Orillia, Parry Sound, the median price for residential non-waterfront property in May 2020 was a record $416,500, up 7.3 per cent from $388,000 in May 2019. For waterfront property, more desirable and more expensive, the median price was $565,800, up 3.3 per cent from $547,550 over the same period.

In Muskoka, specifically, non-waterfront property prices rose 8.3 per cent in May 20 to $420,868, from $388,750 in ay 2019. In Haliburton, by comparison, the prices were $318,500 and $310,000, respectively, up 2.7 per cent.

Waterfront properties in Muskoka, naturally higher priced, rose 3.9 per cent in May 2020 to $727,500, compared to $700,500 in May 2019. Meanwhile, in Haliburton, the corresponding prices were $520,000 and $550,000 – down 5.5 per cent.

Fast-forward to 2021, and “sales for non-waterfront and waterfront properties both came back down to earth from last July’s unprecedented levels,” Chuck Murney, president of the Lakelands Association of Realtors, said in July. “We expect this to persist through the rest of 2021, as we move past the one-year mark of the various record-level sales we saw in the second half of 2020.”

Translation: Supply is still tight, interest high, and prices on the rise. The area is world famous for good reason, and the demand for housing here proves that.

According to the MLS Home Price Index, the benchmark price for single-family homes was $611,500 in July 2021, up 41.6 per cent on a year-over-year basis. The median price for residential non-waterfront property was $560,000, up by 27.3 per cent from July 2020.
The more comprehensive year-to-date residential non-waterfront median price was $575,950, an increase of 37.1 per cent from the first seven months of 2020.

In its 2021 Recreational Property Report, ReMax cites that much of the demand is being driven by young families, especially those from the GTA and Hamilton looking for more affordability outside of the city.

When it comes to the COVID-19 impact on Muskoka’s recreational property market, buyers from the city have been interested in the market because of its relative affordability and more greenspace. Preferred features for recreational homes in the region include good Wi-Fi, beach nearby, office space and acreage. Anticipated price growth in the region for recreational properties over the remainder of 2021 is an increase of 15 per cent for waterfront, and 20 per cent for non-waterfront homes.

New home developments

To take advantage of the growing interest in the area in not just vacation properties but year-round residences, more developers are setting up camp in Muskoka.

Edgewood Homes is building Highcrest Muskoka, a bungalow townhome community in Huntsville, for those seeking an active transitional lifestyle experience.

Trulife Developments Inc. has The Summit underway in Huntsville, with traditional and stacked condo townhomes.
And then there’s Lakeside Muskoka, a luxury boutique condominium in a prized waterfront location in Huntsville from Lakeside Developments Inc., a local builder with history in the area dating back to the 1930s.

Even Canada’s largest homebuilder, Mattamy Homes, has a new development in Bracebridge – White Pines – with a variety of single-detached homes.

Playground awaits

Regardless of your type or length of stay in Muskoka, the playground awaits. Name your passion, and you can pursue it here. Try your hand at landscape art, like the masters of the Group of Seven. Or hop up for some horseback riding, dogsledding or cross-country skiing in winter.

If cycling is more your speed, wind your way through hilly towns such as Bala, Ontario’s cranberry capital, or Bracebridge, and marvel at the three spectacular local waterfalls.

And golf. You want golf? Muskoka has carved out a reputation as one of Canada’s best golf destinations, with a handful of courses among the top-ranked in the country.

After your leisure activity, whatever it is, relax with some of the fare of the growing number of craft breweries in the area – Muskoka Brewery, Lake of Bays Brewing Co. and Sawdust City Brewing Co.

Location, location, location

Located in Central Ontario, extending from Georgian Bay in the west, to Lake Couchiching to the south, Algonquin Park in the east; 220 kms north of Toronto; population 60,599; 100,000 seasonal property owners

Municipalities

Bracebridge
Georgian Bay
Gravenhurst
Lake of Bays
Muskoka Lakes
Huntsville

Key landmarks

• Bigwin Island Golf Club
• Deerhurst Resort
• Lake Joseph Golf Glub
• Muskoka Brewery
• Port Carling
• Rocky Crest Golf Resort
• Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa
• Santa’s Village
• Taboo Golf Course
• The KEE to Bala
• The Rock Golf Course
• Windermere House

Select housing developments

Highcrest Muskoka
By Edgewood Homes
edgewoodmuskoka.com

Lakeside Muskoka
By Lakeside Developments
lakesidemuskoka.ca

The Summit
By Trulife Developments
trulifedevelopments.com

White Pines
By Mattamy Homes
mattamyhomes.com