Source: Sépaq Photo • Mathieu Charland
Mini-cottages are all the rage these days. Although much more snug than traditional cottages, they are as comfortable as bigger properties and their environmental footprint is much smaller. Buyers not only love that mini-cottages are affordable; they also love being able to move them from one location to another. Nonetheless, before you jump in with both feet, let's take a look at the pros and cons of buying such an asset.
A Home in Nature for Less
Your dream of owning a cozy home surrounded by nature, far from prying eyes, can now become a reality. Mini-cottages provide you with the private sanctuary you desire, for a cost between $80,000 and $200,000. A growing number of aspiring homeowners, intent on living a simple life free from stifling mortgage payments, are buying into the mini-cottage idea.
But life in a small space means maximizing every inch of available space. In fact, most mini-cottages' living areas cover no more than 1,000 ft2. Hardcore minimalists can even find some options with as little as 200 ft2 of living space. Manufacturers are making sure, however, that even the smallest unit includes as much storage space as possible.
The Sépaq offers a good example of mini-cottages. It recently added this type of accommodation. These dwellings parked in nature combine design, comfort and sustainability. They can be found in many Quebec parks, including the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, Mont-Orford and the Saguenay Fjord.
Source: Repère boréal
Another fact that weighs heavily in favour of mini-cottages is that they consume very little energy. Using well thought out equipment, such as solar panels, significantly reduces electricity bills while the properties' small size means little maintenance is required. As a result, homeowners can enjoy additional financial freedom.
Whatever your taste, there is a mini-cottage option perfect for you. The market is constantly growing, and architects are hard at work designing bold and creative models. The most difficult thing for you might be choosing only one! Furthermore, many suppliers now offer an extensive selection of turnkey homes (on wheels or not) and can provide you with construction support and assistance throughout the buying process.
A Smaller House That Must Comply With Regulatory Constraints
Mini-cottages, despite their many advantages, also have a few drawbacks that future owners must not ignore. While some people love the challenge of living in confined spaces, others see it is a deal breaker. You can forget about reusing your old living room pieces; mini-cottages require multifunctional, ergonomic furniture. At the very least, you will need the following essentials (if you don't want to compromise on comfort): a small fridge, an oven, a hot plate and a wood stove.
We must mention that, even though mini-cottages are affordable, finding the funds you need to purchase your new corner of paradise might prove difficult. In general, banks are not too keen on financing such small transactions. But mini-cottages are not like traditional properties: The market for them is relatively new, and no one yet knows how property value will hold up at resale.
There is an additional constraint—a rather substantial one—that could put the brakes on your desires to own a mini-cottage: They are not allowed everywhere yet. Regulation is, at best, unclear and varies from town to town. It is therefore critical that you check with the proper authorities whether your project is even lawful before committing to anything. In the end, finding the perfect plot of land for your mini-cottage might be quite the headache.
In summary, mini-cottages are perfect for people looking to live in tune with nature. But prospective owners must take the time to evaluate their needs carefully before launching into this wild, small-sized adventure!
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