5 Things to Consider When Deciding to Buy a Waterfront Home
Whether appreciating the view from indoors or enjoying the breeze along the shore, owners of waterfront homes benefit from a different perspective and pace. Little in life can match the tranquility and inspiration of life along the water—but when it comes to making the move to a waterfront property permanent, there is a unique set of considerations to keep in mind. Whether a coastal home is your retirement dream, vacation getaway, or your primary residence, here are things to note before settling on the shoreline
By law, bodies of water are not considered a part of private property in Canada. Riparian rights—the rights of landholders whose property runs into a water bank—differ by province, and are not always straightforward. A review of a property’s deed or title can reveal what rights are included with a particular home. Having an experienced real estate agent on hand to review water access and landholder rights before purchase can save you from unpleasant surprises.
Review guidelines from your province’s Ministry of Natural Resources and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and familiarize yourself with changes to the Navigation Protection Act to start. You’ll also want to look over zoning bylaws (which will vary by municipality) to better understand dock size and coverage potential. In some cases, you may only be able to upkeep an existing structure instead of building a new one.
From the Great Lakes to the shores of the Pacific and the Atlantic, storms can be frequent and amplified by tidal patterns and concurrent weather. Some Canadian destinations—most notably Vancouver Island—are famous for their storm watching. The weather may influence your choice of building materials, placement of a new home (high tide is a factor here), or whether you develop a basement. Consider adding storm-proofing essentials such as storm shutters, and stainless steel locks and finishings to fight corrosion from salt air.
While some of the dryer areas of the country may be incorporating humidifiers into their new builds or renos, excessive moisture from large bodies of water can take a toll on even the most structurally sound estates. Consider your maintenance and groundwork load and speak to your neighbours about the effects of annual weather or salt water. They’ll have a good sense of the impact of the spray over time.
Natural waterways through your grounds or near the property may be considered public property, depending on provincial regulations and the type of waterway. Shorelines may also be considered public land by the government, so in some cases fencing and certain builds are not allowed. If you love the idea of chatting with fellow kayakers, fishers, hikers, or neighbours as they pass by your property, then living along a public shoreline is no sacrifice. But if you’d prefer absolute seclusion, perhaps a home with a water view is a better fit for you than one right on the waterfront.
Waterfront property owners know the serenity that comes from sunsets reflected over lakes, spotting sea life in the distance, and listening to the sounds of nature is well worth the due process to realize a waterfront dream.
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FALL MARKET KICKOFF: September 2025 Real Estate Market Update
As summer winds down, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market is shifting once again—this time with an important boost from the Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate cut. On September 17, 2025, the Bank lowered its policy interest rate to 2.5%, marking a significant move that is expected to reinvigorate buying activity across the region.
Market Snapshot: August 2025 (TRREB) 
According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), August brought encouraging signs of stability:
- Sales: 6,232 transactions across the GTA, a 4.6% increase from August 2024.
- New Listings: 13,119, down slightly year-over-year, helping balance supply.
- Average Selling Price: $982,880, nearly flat compared to last year (+0.4%).
- Trend: Balanced conditions are giving both buyers and sellers room to maneuver, with the recent rate cut expected to stimulate fall demand.
City & Regional Highlights
Toronto 
Toronto continues to see steady demand for condos and townhomes, appealing to buyers looking for affordability in the core. Detached homes are moving more cautiously, but price stability suggests confidence returning to the market.
Mississauga 
Mississauga remains a buyer-friendly market, especially in the detached and semi-detached segments. With borrowing costs easing, families upsizing or relocating may find strong value in the fall.
Oakville 
Luxury demand in Oakville is regaining traction. The combination of limited inventory and lower financing costs positions this market for an active fall season, especially for executive homes and lakefront properties.
Burlington 
Burlington continues to attract buyers migrating west from Toronto. The city’s blend of affordability, lifestyle, and community feel has kept prices steady and competitive.
Muskoka 
Cottage country remains strong, with buyers eyeing investment properties and second homes. While activity softened slightly through the summer, the rate drop could encourage more buyers to act before year-end.
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
With interest rates now at their lowest level in two years, affordability is improving across the GTA and Muskoka. Buyers who were waiting on the sidelines are expected to re-enter the market this fall, while sellers may benefit from increased competition for well-priced homes.
At Regan Irish & Associates, we specialize in helping clients navigate market shifts with confidence. Whether you’re buying a luxury home, selling a family property, or investing in Muskoka, our market insight and negotiation expertise ensure you get the best results.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com——
August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update | Regan Irish
The August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update reflects renewed momentum and affordability in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Muskoka. Thanks to steady interest rates and appealing home prices, July proved surprisingly dynamic. Let’s dig into the numbers and what they mean for you.
Interest Rates Remain Stable — Affordability Fueling Activity
In July 2025, the Bank of Canada maintained its key rate at 2.75%, its third consecutive pause. With lower borrowing costs now more accessible, affordability is encouraging a wave of renewed buyer activity.
GTA Market Overview: Sales Surge, Prices Slightly Dip
- Home Sales: 6,100+ transactions region-wide, marking a 10.9% increase YoY and the strongest July since 2021.
- Month-over-Month: Seasonally adjusted sales rose 13% from June to approximately 5,744 units, the biggest monthly gain in nine months.
- New Listings: Up 5.7% YoY, totaling 17,613 new offers.
- Price Trends:
- The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark fell 5.4% YoY.
- The average GTA selling price dropped 5.5% YoY to around $1,051,719.
- Word on the street indicates the HPI drifted slightly lower—about $979,000, down 0.2% from June.
What It Adds Up To: Buyers are back in force—sales are outpacing new listings while prices softened, creating renewed market opportunities.
City Highlights
Toronto
A more balanced landscape—but some segments remain soft. Condos and detached homes see inventory rising; semis are steadier.
Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington & Muskoka
While TRREB doesn’t break down by city in these reports, regional trends suggest:
- Mississauga & Burlington: Strong rise in listings and dipping average prices give buyers leverage.
- Oakville: Stability in demand for luxury keeps discounts modest.
- Muskoka: Continued strong interest in sub-$2M waterfront properties should benefit from broader GTA momentum.
What This Means for You
- For Buyers:
Renewed affordability, rising inventory, and favorable interest rates make August a prime time to move. - For Sellers:
A more balanced market—strategic pricing and quick response will be key to success. - For Investors & Cottage Buyers:
Strong July sales in the GTA point to increasing investor interest; Muskoka remains a high-value lifestyle and investment destination.
Work With the GTA Real Estate Experts
Whether you’re planning to buy a Muskoka cottage, invest in a luxurious Oakville property, or explore options across Toronto, Mississauga, or Burlington, now is the time to act.
Regan Irish & Associates specializes in luxury, resale, and investment properties across the GTA and Muskoka. Our market insight and negotiation skills help you get the best results—whether buying, selling, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com
Let’s make today’s market your opportunity—contact us today!
