Are pandemic-inspired cottage buyers experiencing regret? A mortgage expert weighs in

Hey everyone,

I just read an interesting article about people who bought cottages during the pandemic and now might be having second thoughts. It got me thinking…

Did any of you jump on the rural property bandwagon when COVID hit? If so, how’s it going now? Are you still loving the country life, or are you itching to get back to the city?

I’m curious to hear from both sides:

  1. Those who bought rural properties and are happy with their decision
  2. People who are now thinking of selling their pandemic purchases

What are the pros and cons you’ve experienced? Any unexpected challenges or surprises?

Let’s chat about it! I’d love to hear your stories and experiences.

As a mortgage broker, I’ve seen both sides of this situation. Many clients who purchased rural properties during the pandemic are still content with their decision. They appreciate the space, tranquility, and connection to nature. However, some are facing challenges they didn’t anticipate.

Rising interest rates have impacted affordability for some buyers, especially those who stretched their budgets. Maintenance costs for rural properties can be higher than expected, particularly for those used to city living. Some clients underestimated the time and effort required for upkeep.

Another factor is the return to office work. The commute that seemed manageable during lockdowns has become a significant burden for some. This has led to a subset of buyers considering selling or looking for ways to offset costs through short-term rentals.

Ultimately, satisfaction seems to depend on how well the property aligns with long-term lifestyle goals, not just pandemic-driven desires.

bought a cottage last yr. no regrets! love the peace & quiet. yeah, maintenances a pain, but worth it. work from home so no commute issues. only drawback is slow internet, but were managing. def not selling anytime soon!

Interesting topic! I’m curious, has anyone here bought a cottage and turned it into a side hustle? Like renting it out on weekends or holidays? Could be a cool way to offset costs and keep the property. Any success stories or challenges with that approach?