Quick answer
To sell a cottage fast in Ontario, you can list it with an agent who knows the lake or area, sell it privately, or sell it directly to a cash buyer. Cottages often take longer to sell than city homes because the buyer pool is smaller and some buyers need extra inspections and financing approvals. A cash buyer such as GTA House Buyers buys the cottage as-is, makes a written offer within 24 hours and lets you choose the closing date.
Your three options
| List with an agent | Sell privately | Sell to a cash buyer | |
| Best for | Well-kept cottages in popular areas with time to wait | Owners who already have an interested buyer (a neighbour or family) | Cottages that need work, estate sales, or owners on a deadline |
| Costs | Commission (OREA reports 4% to 5% in Ontario) + 13% HST, legal fees, prep | Legal fees, marketing, your time | Legal fees only; no commissions or repairs |
| Timing | Depends on season, area and buyer financing | Depends on the buyer | As little as 5 days, or your date |
| Condition | Repairs and opening up the cottage help | Buyer may ask for repairs | As-is, including contents if you want |
What can slow down a cottage sale
- Septic and well. Many buyers and their lenders or insurers ask for a septic inspection and a water test before they firm up an offer.
- Access. Seasonal roads, water-access-only lots or shared rights-of-way limit who can view and buy the property.
- Condition. Older cottages can need roof, dock, foundation or electrical work that a financed buyer’s lender may question.
- Seasonality. It is harder to show a cottage that is closed for the winter or hard to reach.
- Contents. Furniture, boats and gear need to be sold, moved or included in the price.
A cash buyer removes most of these delays because there is no lender to satisfy and no repairs to make before closing.
Taxes to ask your accountant about
A cottage can qualify as a principal residence, but only one property per family can be designated as a principal residence for each year. If the cottage was not your designated principal residence, part of the gain on the sale may be taxable. The sale of a principal residence also has to be reported on your income tax return. Speak to an accountant before you sell so you know what you will net.
Selling an inherited cottage
If the cottage belonged to someone who has died, the executor usually needs the authority to sell it before the sale can close. Read can you sell a house before probate in Ontario for the usual order of events, and inheriting a cottage in Ontario if you are still deciding whether to keep it.
How GTA House Buyers buys cottages
- Call or fill in the form. Tell us where the cottage is, its condition and your timeline. Call (647) 848-7790.
- Get a written offer within 24 hours. No obligation.
- Choose your closing date. As little as 5 days, or later if you need time to clear it out.
- Close with your lawyer. Your real estate lawyer handles the transfer and funds. No commissions.
We buy cottages, waterfront properties, cabins and rural houses across most of Ontario, in any condition, vacant or rented. See we buy cottages fast in Ontario.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell my cottage as-is?
Yes. GTA House Buyers buys cottages in any condition. You do not need to repair, clean or open it up first.
Can I leave the furniture and boats?
You can include contents in the sale if you prefer. Tell us what you want to leave when we make the offer.
Do I pay tax when I sell a cottage in Ontario?
It depends on whether the cottage is designated as your principal residence for the years you owned it. Only one property per family can be designated per year. Ask your accountant.
How fast can I sell my cottage?
With a cash buyer, you can close in as little as 5 days after accepting the offer. With a listing, timing depends on the season, the area and the buyer’s financing.
Get a cash offer for your cottage
Call or text (647) 848-7790 for a fair cash offer. No obligation, and you pick the closing date.