Top Tax Friendly Town: GRAVENHURST

TOP TAX FRIENDLY TOWNS
Gravenhurst

The majority of the communities in Northern Ontario's Muskoka Region are revered as recreational hotspots, but more investors are realizing that there is more to towns like Gravenhurst than just cottages and a leisurely lifestyle.

Gravenhurst is a smaller market, but its real estate market has many big things going for it. The property inventory is both varied and affordable, and the low property taxes make the area more appealing to investors. The local tax rate is 0.00212% per $1,000 of the assessed value. 

TAX FACTORS

Gravenhurst's property tax rate has fluctuated greatly over the years, but generally remained below 0.0025. In 2011, the rate was 0.00231% and this value decreased to 0.00221% the following year. In 2013, the rate dropped yet again to the value of 0.00212%.

Taxes paid in Gravenhurst also feature a number of other elements. These elements include waste management, the sewer and water systems, financing for the local hospital and lighting. There are also general taxes for the upper and lower tiers.

MARKET PERFORMANCE

Regardless of whether the buyer is after a new home, cottage or investment property, the average price point in Gravenhurst is relatively affordable. According to market data from Trovit.ca, the average price is $286,905 [in 2014]. "Multi-residential properties have been selling quite well because they have been seeing good cap rates and return on investment," say local realtors.

"New builds are quite costly and a multi-residential property in good shape is selling quite quickly in our marketplace," they continue. "Investors looking for quicker returns like these kinds of properties. However, there are still investors that look to buy older waterfront properties suitable for redevelopment."

Average rents in Gravenhurst tend to vary depending on the property purchased. According to local realtors, two-bedroom apartments max out at $900 per month, while three-bedroom bungalows can bring in $1,400 per month. 

LOOKING AHEAD

The combination of affordable prices and a lower property tax in Gravenhurst are a perfect marriage for investors, especially those who have lower operating budgets. Although the market is not very large in size, the town's appeal to vacationers makes this area appealing for the short-term rental market and those looking for long-term appreciation. 

Population: 12,055 (2011)
Property tax rate: 0.00212
Avg. Price: $282,905
Avg. Rent: $1,400 (3-bed house)
Vacancy Rate: 3.9%