What to Consider When Buying a Rural Property in Ontario

With that in mind, this article aims to focus on what you need to consider when purchasing rural property, particularly in the green and ample open space areas in Ontario, Canada. Many city-dwellers are embracing the concept of escaping the urban jungle as the air is fresher, traffic is minimal to none, and the best part is that land and or development costs can drop when you’re out in the country. 

The further away from the fast-paced lifestyle of the city, the cheaper the acreage can become. However, the realities of buying a home in the country involve various factors that can make or mar your purchase. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with what you need to consider: 

The city offers various options for water and waste removal. However, in rural neighbourhoods, one primary option will be a septic system. For that reason, be sure to keep a watchful eye on your home’s septic system to prevent costly repairs or causing environmental damage from poor installations, misuse of soaps, detergents, and bleach.

Well water is typically clean and in pristine condition for safe drinking and bathing purposes. However, there will always be risks of contamination due to poor maintenance or installation. With that in mind, the best way to keep your well water in a spick-and-span condition is to test it three times a year for any toxic substances. If you find a chemical change in the water level or find it odd to tase, be sure to request for a thorough investigation to protect your health. 

The process of building on a property in rural areas will require multiple permits from the city or municipality before you can jumpstart on the home project. That means you will need to shell out a budget dedicated solely for permit fees, including levies, and special permit fees before you can even begin.

Additionally, bylaws tend to restrict you from constructing certain areas of your property as well as control the type of animals you can take care of. With that in mind, it’s best to seek out your point of contact before deciding to purchase the home so you can have a professional help guide you through the whole process. 

Buying more square-footage and acreage for a better price compared to city suburbs may be a bang for the buck. However, keep in mind that having more space means you have to pay more for upkeep, maintenance, shopping, transportation, insurance, utilities, and even land taxes. Make sure to ask about these extra costs so you can create a realistic budget that you can prepare for down the road. 

Rural areas are now equipped with high-speed internet, though the coverage for your cell-phone provider may still be limited. This can result in poor connections and spotty receptions, so be sure to have a landline as it will be a reliable source of communication when you’re out in the country. 

Additionally, living outside the city means that you have limited access to public transportation. That means you will have to travel greater distances to access school, work, hospitals, and social events at a slower pace. Rural areas make up for it for the lack of traffic and open streets, making it an ideal place to drive around without the risk of getting stuck in a traffic jam.