Quebecers crazy about farms

Do you dream of the countryside, wide open spaces and, why not, owning your own farmhouse? You are not alone. A look at a real estate product that has seen strong demand since the pandemic.

After years of growing flowers and vegetables on her balcony, Julie Aubé dreamed of cultivating large gardens, planting trees and perennials. She therefore bought a farmhouse in Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies with her partner in 2018. Just before the demand for farmhouses surged across Quebec.

At the time of writing, 425 farmhouses were for sale on Centris. According to Miguel Verreault, broker with Équipe Paradis, a farmhouse is a playground. “It is a residential house on land where you can make a large garden, cultivate maple trees or have a few farm animals, without exploitation. commercial,” he says.

The dimensions do not determine whether it is a farmhouse or a farmhouse. “I just sold a property with three lakes, six gardens, 250,000 square feet of land, chickens and oxen, but since the owners are self-sufficient, without exploiting it for profit, it is a farmhouse,” details the broker.

From words to actions

A local food communicator, Julie Aubé was won over by her visits to producers in the countryside. “After a decade of promoting them, I wanted to put my hands on the land, to taste another way of life, to breathe pure air and to have access to a greater horizon. My boyfriend loved it too. »

When they bought an ancestral house with a large plot of land and a barn, they became the owners of a farmhouse. A real estate product that has become twice as popular since the pandemic, according to Mr. Verreault. “The enthusiasm is very present. There are more visits when I put a property up for sale. »

And the buyers are no longer the same.

If the pandemic has convinced many Quebecers to (re)connect with nature and the great outdoors, the desire for self-sufficiency and the love of organic products that grow in the backyard have also created a demand for farms.

Location is king

Thus, the potential of the land is often more important than the buildings. “During our research, we focused mainly on the location of the farm and the possibilities of the land,” says Julie Aubé. When I saw three-season cabins close to neighbors, I eliminated them because I wanted space. »

The bigger the playing field, the more interesting it is, confirms the broker. “Bohemians who want to live in the countryside don’t first focus on buildings. In any case, old buildings can be renovated by buyers who have enough elbow grease to put them to their liking. A house changes, but not a location. »

Indeed, the location takes precedence over the modernity of the property. “If a renovated house is located directly on the side of the road, it will be less popular than one accessed by a small private road, surrounded by three lakes, with the tranquility that that offers,” he believes.

Miguel Verreault specifies that up-to-date houses are not very popular in the countryside.

Even if farm buyers plan to raise animals, grow vegetables, herbs, berries or flowers, they have little interest in the quality of the soil. “No one asks for soil tests to be sure their cucumbers are growing well,” says the broker. This is a need on the commercial farm side. »

Not so fast!

Before making an offer to purchase a seemingly dream farm, it is essential to check the zoning to ensure that the projects are feasible. “For example, if we want to build a small chicken coop, it may be prohibited if it is too close to the road or a neighbor. It varies depending on zoning or municipal regulations,” explains Julie Aubé, who turned her personal farm into a commercial microfarm in 2021.

Also consider septic tanks. “Some old rural houses have outdated systems,” recalls Mr. Verreault. Without forgetting the well, to ensure that the water is drinkable and that the capacity of the well is sufficient. “One day, we were surprised to see that our well was empty,” explains M.^me Dawn. As we don’t have the budget to dig another one, we adapted with rainwater harvesting methods. »

Downpayment

Contrary to some information on the web, you do not need a higher down payment. “A farmhouse is a house where you can do something else on the land, like some people install a swimming pool,” says Miguel Verreault. Higher capital outlays are for the farming operation. »

Information confirmed by Desjardins. “It’s the same operation as other financing, with no particularity for the capital outlay,” explains spokesperson Chantal Corbeil. Desjardins finances farms for personal purposes. Commercial components are not permitted. It must be a way of life. »

Similar story at the National Bank. “When an individual buys a farmhouse for their leisure activities, we finance the main residence and a maximum of five acres of land,” emphasizes Alexandre Guay, senior advisor. Otherwise, the customer will be referred to our business service. »