First-time homebuyers aching to get into the real estate market should be cautious about trying to bypass expensive urban housing by purchasing a recreational property before a city house, real estate experts say. Sotheby's International Realty Canada CEO Brad Henderson says it's more of a lifestyle choice than it is a great investment. Some hot locations for cottages are currently seeing prices soar because of short supply, but these properties may now be as equally unaffordable as the big cities.