## The Pros and Cons of Buying a Historic Rural Home in Burlington, ON – 2023
For decades, Burlington, ON has been known for its rural nature, picturesque landscapes, and larger homes compared to many other cities in the Greater Toronto Area. Due to its unique location, Burlington offers potential homeowners an abundance of rural home choices, many of which are of a more classic or historic style. The prospect of finding and owning a rural home with legacy appeal can be exciting and tempting. However, there are some key pros and cons of buying a historic rural home in Burlington that any potential homeowner should be aware of. This article will explain what these pros and cons are and how they should be considered when making the decision to purchase a historic rural home in Burlington.
### Pros of Buying a Historic Rural Home in Burlington
#### Unique Charm
The most obvious pro of owning a historic rural home in Burlington is the unique charm that they offer. Historic homes often have great character and distinctive designs. From classic timber frame structures to the more ornate Victorian-style homes, Burlington’s rural homes often boast charming features and vintage beauty. A historic rural home in Burlington can be a true standout for those looking for something a little more special than the standard suburban home.
#### Green Features
Some of the older homes in Burlington offer a unique environmental advantage. Many of the historical homes in the area have been built with green features such as natural ventilation and lighting, as well as unique and energy efficient materials from when they were first constructed. This green advantage may be a great way to save on energy costs, making a historic rural home in Burlington a smart purchase for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
#### An Investment Property
Older rural homes may also be a great investment. With a little work and the right list price, a historic rural home in Burlington can yield a great return on investment. As well, many historic homes offer great potential for renovation or expansion. For those looking to make an investment with great long-term potential, a historic rural home in Burlington may be a great option to consider.
### Cons of Buying a Historic Rural Home in Burlington
#### Maintenance
Historic homes require more maintenance than modern homes. Oftentimes the plumbing and electrical systems in historic homes are outdated, requiring either repair or replacement with better-suited and more energy efficient versions. On top of this, owners of historic homes may need to maintain period features such as exterior trim, railings, and other specialty features. However, the maintenance costs of a historic home should be weighed against the potential investment benefits of ownership.
#### Design Issues
It’s worth noting that some of the older homes in Burlington may have design issues that can be difficult to resolve. Most of these homes were built using techniques and materials that are outdated by today’s standards. This can make it difficult to address problems like inadequate insulation, poor drainage, or moisture control issues. As such, a potential homeowner should always carry out an inspection of the property before signing a purchase agreement.
#### Getting a Mortgage on a Rural Home
Lastly, while it’s generally easier to obtain a mortgage on a traditional suburban home with modern features, it may be more difficult to secure financing on a rural or historic home. In some cases, lenders may place a cap on mortgages for historic or older homes due to their lack of modern features and the difficulty in finding suitable insurance coverage. For those looking to purchase a historic rural home in Burlington, it’s important to consider the availability of financing before signing a purchase agreement.
### Conclusion
Historic rural homes in Burlington are unique, often offering charming features and great potential. However, potential homeowners must also consider some potential drawbacks, such as the need for additional maintenance and the difficulty of obtaining financing. With this in mind, potential homebuyers should research these cons carefully to ensure they are making a well-informed investment.
### FAQs
**Q: What kind of homes are available in Burlington, ON?**
A: Burlington, ON is known for its rural nature, and it offers potential homeowners an abundance of various home choices, many of which are of a more classic or historic style. The city also has several modern and suburban homes which are common in other surrounding cities.
**Q: What can I expect from a historic rural home in Burlington?**
A: Historic rural homes in Burlington often have great character and distinctive designs. They may feature classic timber frame structures, ornate Victorian styles, as well as green features like natural ventilation, lighting, and energy-efficient materials.
**Q: What are the potential drawbacks of buying a historic rural home?**
A: Potential drawbacks of buying a historic rural home include additional maintenance costs, potential design issues, and difficulty obtaining financing. It’s important to consider these cons before making a purchase agreement.
**Q: Are there other home types available in Burlington?**
A: Yes, there are a variety of non-rural and modern suburban homes available in Burlington. These homes often feature modern conveniences and may be easier to maintain and finance.
**Q: What should I consider when buying a historic rural home?**
A: When buying a historic rural home in Burlington, it’s important to consider the home’s maintenance costs, design issues, and difficulty obtaining financing. It’s also wise to get a full inspection of the property before signing a purchase agreement to ensure it is in good condition.
