This year has been a tale of two real estate markets, says Ben Imrie, who, along with his brother Dan, leads the iMuskoka Team at Chestnut Park Real Estate Brokerage. The pair have been at the forefront of cottage country’s real estate scene for decades. While Muskoka’s property market has long followed an upward trajectory, this year’s bifurcated conditions have created an unusual scenario: it’s both a buyer’s and a seller’s market at the same time.
Hot in the ultra high-end
A notable trend this year has been the increase in purchases by Canadians living south of the border – many of whom are regaining a foothold in the Muskoka market.
These buyers have been investing in high-end, turnkey properties in the $10-million-plus range, particularly on the Big Three lakes – Lake Joseph, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Muskoka.
“Those properties are selling well due to high demand,” he adds. “It just shows how special this region is and how resilient the real estate market remains on these lakes.”
Slow and steady for unique buys
While the $10-million-plus market is booming for sellers, the entry-level $1–2 million range tells a different story.
“Entry-level cottages are selling, but at a slower rate, especially on the smaller lakes,” says Ben. “It’s a great opportunity for those looking to buy their first cottage in Muskoka.”
That’s particularly true for buyers willing to consider properties with unique features or renovation potential – cottages that may not appeal to the mass market but offer long-term value.
“I’ve never met an owner who wished they’d waited to buy,” Ben says. “That’s been the trend in my 25-plus years in this business. If you want to get in, don’t wait.”
And while Muskoka’s market never truly freezes, the best time to list or buy remains spring and fall, when inventory is highest and buyer activity peaks.
Tech is making real estate easier
Understanding the market is just one piece of the puzzle. Ben, Dan, and their team are also investing in technology and artificial intelligence tools designed to deliver information to clients faster and more effectively.
Some of these innovations are still in development, but they’re expected to roll out as early as the spring 2026 market season. “We’re very excited to finally bring these services to life,” Ben says.
While AI can sound impersonal, Ben says it’s actually enhancing their client relationships: “We’re using technology to improve the human connection. AI and information systems help us streamline processes and deliver information seamlessly to buyers and sellers.”
Rather than spending hours behind a desk searching for records or comparables, Ben explains that technology allows him to get back to what matters most: working directly with clients.
“The data AI provides is valuable,” he says, “but you still need a human to interpret it and tell the full story – and that’s where we come in.”
In essence, these new tools represent 25 years in the making – the culmination of decades of experience in Muskoka real estate.
TEXT SHELANNE AUGUSTINE
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
