Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.

As winter comes to an end, your home is likely holding onto months of dust, allergens, and buildup from closed windows and constant heating. A thorough spring indoor cleaning not only makes your space feel fresh again but also helps improve air quality and overall comfort. Focusing on high-impact areas can make a noticeable difference.

Clean Windows and Window Treatments for a Brighter Home

Natural light instantly transforms a space, but dirty windows and dusty treatments can take away from that effect. Start by cleaning your interior windows, then move on to wiping down frames, tracks, and sills where grime tends to collect. Curtains and drapes often trap dust and odours, so laundering or dry-cleaning them can significantly freshen a room. Don’t forget to dust or vacuum blinds to remove built-up debris and restore brightness.

Improve Air Quality by Cleaning HVAC Vents

Your HVAC system circulates air throughout your home every day, which means dirty vents can spread dust and allergens from room to room. Vacuuming and wiping down vents is a simple but effective step. Replacing air filters can further improve airflow and system efficiency. For households dealing with allergies or asthma, professional duct cleaning may help reduce deeper buildup like dust mites and mould.

Remove Built-Up Dirt from Walls and Furniture

Walls and furniture surfaces collect more than you might notice at first glance. Over time, fingerprints, grease, and small marks can dull the appearance of your home. Wiping down walls with a gentle cleaner can quickly refresh high-traffic areas. Use a small brush or cloth to get into corners, baseboards, and detailed trim. Spot-clean furniture and check hidden areas where dust and dirt tend to accumulate.

Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery for a Healthier Space

Carpets and upholstery act like filters, trapping dust, dirt, and allergens throughout the winter months. Regular vacuuming is essential, but spring is the perfect time to go deeper. Sweep corners and edges where “dust bunnies” collect, and mop any exposed hard flooring. Treat stains carefully using tested cleaning products, and consider renting a carpet cleaner to shampoo and sanitize deeper layers, removing trapped moisture and buildup.

Don’t Forget Ceiling Fans and Overhead Surfaces

Ceiling fans are often overlooked, but they can collect a thick layer of dust that spreads throughout the room when turned on. Before using them for the warmer months, wipe down each blade thoroughly. This simple step helps prevent redistributing dust and allergens you’ve just worked to remove, keeping your home cleaner for longer.

Quick Spring Cleaning Wins

• Brighten rooms by cleaning windows, sills, and treatments

• Reduce allergens by vacuuming vents and replacing filters

• Refresh surfaces by wiping walls, trim, and furniture

• Eliminate deep dirt with carpet and upholstery cleaning

• Prevent dust spread by cleaning ceiling fans before use

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal Lepage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

For many Canadians, owning a cottage remains a defining lifestyle goal. It represents a dedicated space to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy time by the water, where weekends feel longer and daily routines fade into the background.

That aspiration is gaining renewed momentum. With cross-border travel becoming less appealing for some and interest rates holding steady, more buyers are shifting their attention toward domestic recreational properties.

According to the Royal LePage 2026 Spring Recreational Property Report,1 40% of recreational property experts reported that the ‘Buy Canadian’ movement has led to an increase in inquiries from domestic buyers of recreational real estate in their area. Similarly, 13% of experts reported an increase in inter-provincial buyers in their region compared to the same time last year; 54% reported approximately the same amount compared to a year ago. 

This sustained interest is supporting price growth across many markets. According to Royal LePage, the median price2 of a single-family home in Canada’s recreational regions is forecast to increase 4.0% in 2026 to $604,552, compared to 2025.

With demand holding firm and more Canadians exploring local options, the opportunity to enter the cottage market is worth a closer look.

Start with a clear purpose

Before beginning your search, it is important to define how the property will fit into your lifestyle. This decision will influence everything from location to budget and property type.

Some common use cases include:

• A seasonal family retreat for summer use

• A hybrid living arrangement that supports remote work

• A long-term investment with income potential

If you are already a homeowner, reviewing the equity in your primary residence can also help clarify what is financially achievable. In many cases, that equity can be leveraged to support a second property purchase.

Waterfront comes at a premium

Water access continues to be one of the most significant factors influencing price in recreational markets. True waterfront properties often command a substantial premium. However, properties located a short distance from the water can offer a similar lifestyle at a more accessible price point.

This distinction can create meaningful opportunities:

• Greater purchasing power within your budget

• Access to larger or more updated homes

• Potential for long-term appreciation in emerging areas

Ultimately, the decision comes down to how essential direct water access is to your overall vision.

Exploring ways to offset costs

Many buyers are taking a more strategic approach to ownership by incorporating income-generating options.

Flexible approaches include:

• Co-ownership with family members or trusted partners

• Seasonal rentals during high-demand periods

• A combination of personal use and short-term leasing

In high-demand recreational regions, rental activity can be particularly strong during peak seasons. That said, it is important to understand and comply with local short-term rental regulations before making a purchase decision.

Location flexibility can pay off

Location flexibility remains one of the most effective ways to improve affordability.

Highly sought-after cottage destinations often come with premium pricing. By extending your search to less established areas or properties slightly farther from major urban centres, buyers can often find comparable experiences at a lower cost.

Cottage ownership may seem ambitious at first, but current market conditions suggest it is still within reach for a wide range of buyers. Stable borrowing costs, sustained domestic demand, and creative approaches to ownership are all contributing to increased accessibility.

Want to know more about prices of recreational real estate near you? Check out the Royal LePage 2026 Spring Recreational Property Report for more information.

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal Lepage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

Vancouver, BC – April 15, 2026. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that 5,766 residential unit sales were recorded in Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems in March 2026, down 3.6 per cent from March 2025. The average MLS®residential price in BC in March 2026 was down 2 per cent at $939,846 compared to $959,236 in March 2025.

Total MLS® residential sales dollar volume was $4.21 billion, down 5.6 per cent from the same time the previous year. BC MLS® unit sales were 34.53 per cent lower than the ten-year average for the month of March.

“Global conflict leading to rising mortgage rates paired with a sluggish economy are presenting a challenge for a housing market recovery,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “Improved affordability and pent-up demand should translate to an acceleration of activity, though the market will need a period of relative calm for households to build confidence.”

Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume is down 13 per cent to $12.7 billion, compared with the same period in 2025. Residential unit sales are down 11 per cent year-over-year at 13,595 units, while the average MLS® residential price is also down 2.2 per cent to $933,859.

Full report can be viewed here.

Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.

Please click here to read BCREA’s latest Mortgage Forecast.  

Highlights:

• Canadian fixed mortgage rates face upward pressure as geopolitical instability sends oil soaring.

• Tariffs and the Iran conflict are driving growth and inflation concerns.

• The Bank of Canada is walking a tight rope of double-sided risks.