The market is usually strong for waterfront properties, but some waterfront communities in Ontario are reporting a quieter sales period for December and after the holidays.

Muskoka

"For waterfront residential and cottage properties around Port Carling, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Bala, Parry Sound, Huntsville," say Realtors Jim and Iris Gardiner , "the market is strong for good waterfront properties valued in the $1M to $2M range on Lakes Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph, higher end smaller lake properties and big lake entry-level properties valued at $450k to $700k. It's somewhat of a buyer's market for properties priced above $3,000,000."

Mississauga

"Mississauga extends south from Derry Road to Lake Ontario, bordered on the east by the Etobicoke Creek and on the west by the 9th Line," explains Realtor Carlos Vieira . "Mississauga adjoins the "Megacity" of Toronto on its west side. As one of the largest cities in Canada, Mississauga has plenty to offer visitors including the Harbourside Playhouse, which features professional entertainment throughout the year. Mississauga is also home to Canada's busiest airport: Lester B. Pearson International.Mississauga recorded 843 single-family dwelling sales in November through the Toronto Real Estate Board MLS system, down one percent from last November's 851 sales, and down 10 per cent from October's 937 figure. The average price for a single-family home moved down two percent to $293,656 in November from October's price of $299,766, but up 7 percent from the $273,337 recorded in November 2003."

Georgian Bay

"The Georgian Bay Real Estate market had a decrease in sales November, with a total of 84 sales compared to 90 in the same period for 2003 down seven percent," says Realtor Evelyn Klym . "This may be partly be due to some of the higher priced homes not selling because of sellers' high expectations on their selling prices."