by Jay Richardson, Broker May brought a noticeable lift in waterfront activity, with 43 sales recorded across the four reporting areas — 10 in Lake of Bays, 9 in Huntsville, 17 in Muskoka Lakes and 7 in Bracebridge. It is the strongest monthly volume of the year so far.
In North Muskoka, the story is encouraging. Lake of Bays posted a median sale price of $1,089,000 — up 175.7% over May 2025 — with a 94.9% sale-to-list ratio, and inventory tightening to 9.4 months. Huntsville recorded a median of $935,000, up 26.4% year-over-year, with a 93.6% sale-to-list ratio and a longer 58-day median against 11.2 months of supply.
Elsewhere, the Muskoka Lakes median eased 41.8% from a frothy May 2025 to $1,265,000, though sold properties moved in a median of just 16 days. Bracebridge's median softened 15.6% to $875,000, yet its average sale price climbed to $1,589,071 — distinctive premium properties are still commanding strong results.
All four areas remain above the 4 to 6 months of supply that defines a balanced market, but the gap is narrowing. Sale-to-list ratios between 93.6% and 95.4% — a marked firming from April — tell us that well-priced waterfront is meeting committed buyers.
Huntsville sellers should note the 58-day median. Prices are up meaningfully year-over-year, but buyers are taking their time — the properties transacting are those priced strategically.
If you are considering buying or selling waterfront property, a detailed, property-specific analysis will give a much clearer picture than general averages alone. I would be pleased to provide a confidential discussion about current market value, pricing strategy, or available opportunities in the North Muskoka and Lake of Bays area.
Overall Market Direction
In North Muskoka, the story is encouraging. Lake of Bays posted a median sale price of $1,089,000 — up 175.7% over May 2025 — with a 94.9% sale-to-list ratio, and inventory tightening to 9.4 months. Huntsville recorded a median of $935,000, up 26.4% year-over-year, with a 93.6% sale-to-list ratio and a longer 58-day median against 11.2 months of supply.
Elsewhere, the Muskoka Lakes median eased 41.8% from a frothy May 2025 to $1,265,000, though sold properties moved in a median of just 16 days. Bracebridge's median softened 15.6% to $875,000, yet its average sale price climbed to $1,589,071 — distinctive premium properties are still commanding strong results.
All four areas remain above the 4 to 6 months of supply that defines a balanced market, but the gap is narrowing. Sale-to-list ratios between 93.6% and 95.4% — a marked firming from April — tell us that well-priced waterfront is meeting committed buyers.
What This Means for Buyers
Buyers still hold meaningful advantages, but the window is shifting. In Lake of Bays, 9.4 months of inventory leaves room to negotiate thoughtfully — though with the median days on market down to 29, the right cottage is no longer sitting idle. Acting decisively on a quality property before summer momentum builds is sound strategy. Huntsville offers the most patient conditions in North Muskoka, with 11.2 months of supply and a 58-day median giving buyers time to compare shoreline types, exposures and price points.What This Means for Sellers
For Lake of Bays sellers, May is a genuine bright spot. A surging median, a sale-to-list ratio approaching 95% and properties selling in under a month confirm that accurately priced, well-presented waterfront is attracting committed buyers. With 38 new listings arriving in May alone, however, pricing precision and quality presentation remain the difference between selling in weeks and sitting through the season.Huntsville sellers should note the 58-day median. Prices are up meaningfully year-over-year, but buyers are taking their time — the properties transacting are those priced strategically.
Professional Insight
A note of perspective: a 175.7% median increase in Lake of Bays reflects the composition of what sold this May as much as broad appreciation, and sample sizes in these municipalities remain small. The May data is best read as a directional indicator — and the direction in North Muskoka is unmistakably positive heading into summer. What I am watching now is whether firming ratios and shorter marketing times hold through June and July as seasonal listings peak.If you are considering buying or selling waterfront property, a detailed, property-specific analysis will give a much clearer picture than general averages alone. I would be pleased to provide a confidential discussion about current market value, pricing strategy, or available opportunities in the North Muskoka and Lake of Bays area.