Almost half of first-time Canadian homebuyers are considering a recreational property to enter the market, and over 80 per cent would scale back wedding plans for a bigger downpayment, according to two reports. High housing prices are to blame.

For cottage consumers looking to own a luxury vacation property without the work that entails, developer Density Group Ltd., has begun selling lots at Ritz-Carlton Residences, on an exclusive island in Ontario's Muskoka region north of Toronto.